Beasley makes everything look easy

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The satellite connection to Hollywood is established. The microphone is functioning properly. The lighting is in place. Everything is ready for Michael Beasley’s first appearance on Fox Sports Net’s “Best Damn Sports Show Period.”

But minutes before the 6:30 p.m. taping, there’s a problem.

“I hear static every time you talk,” Beasley tells a producer in California.

A minor problem could turn into a major malfunction if college basketball’s best freshman can’t hear the questions from a panel that includes former NBA point guard Gary Payton.

As technicians work to fix the audio, the familiar cell phone buzz emanates from the right pocket of Beasley’s black Adidas pants.

“All cell phones off please,” the camerawoman says.

Out of Beasley’s pockets come four devices: an iPhone, a T-Mobile Sidekick, a Verizon LG phone and a Sprint BlackBerry. The static disappears, and he conducts the interview.

The number of phones is emblematic of Beasley’s life as he enjoys one of the best seasons ever by a freshman and his Kansas State team stands on the cusp of its first NCAA tournament appearance in 12 years.

Everybody wants a piece of Michael Beasley.

If it’s not ESPN or another network, it’s a request by a television program to offer on-air congratulations to the newly elected student-body president.

If it’s not Kansas State fans pleading for his return, it’s adult autograph seekers who secure his signature and post the items on eBay.

If it’s not teammates who want him to carry them to the tournament, it’s fellow students in Geology lab who want to know about his future.

And they all ask Beasley the same question: Staying or going?

Beasley spent his formative years in Gaithersburg, then embarked on an odyssey that took him to seven schools since eighth grade. Now he might be poised for another move: He likely would be the top pick in June’s NBA Draft if he chooses to enter.

“It seems like 100 times a day — too many random people are asking me,” Beasley says while standing in the runway at Bramlage Coliseum after last week’s 78-72 win over Colorado. “My family doesn’t know what I’m going to do, and I don’t know what I’m going to do, but they keep asking. Make that 200 times a day. It’s an everyday thing, but I’ve gotten used to it.”

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