Print edition: 
LAS VEGAS — The way Jamar Samuels sees it, Kansas State is one win away from breaking into college basketball's Top 25.
"We have to be," the sophomore forward said. "I don't understand how we're not in there now."
This week, the Wildcats received 59 votes in the Associated Press poll. But with the Wildcats off to an 8-1 start with wins against Dayton, Xavier and Washington State, an argument for inclusion can be made.
Junior guard Jacob Pullen has no problem making it.
"I think we've played good teams," Pullen said. "A lot of teams in the Top 25, they've been skating by undefeated. There are a lot of teams like that. We playing good teams."
Added Samuels: "There are certain teams above us that we think we're better than. We know we should be in the rankings."
What K-State lacks at the moment is a sexy win. Beating solid teams from the Atlantic 10 and Pac-10 conferences has pushed the Wildcats into the top 10 of some RPI ratings and impressed those who know their college basketball. But they present little "wow" factor to the casual fan.
Beating the No. 18 team in its home city, as K-State has a chance to do today against UNLV, could give the Wildcats instant credibility.
The Rebels are 7-0 and have beaten Louisville and Arizona.
"Hopefully this game right here, it does open eyes," Pullen said. "And people recognize us across the country."
K-State coach Frank Martin doesn't yearn for a ranking the way his players do, but he would prefer to have a number next to his team's name.
If for no other reason than that it will get the Wildcats added face time on nightly sports shows.
"Being ranked at this time of year helps you in one way and one way only: you get to go on ESPN highlights every night," Martin said. "So people at home see your team. If you're in the Top 25, when ESPN does their basketball show, they show your highlights. If you're not in the Top 25, they don't."
Chris Merriewether is trying to stay away from all the polls talk. He says he hasn't looked at them a single time this season and will continue to avoid them until winter break.
But he would like to see K-State ranked by then.
"That," he said, "would be a good Christmas present."
It excites Pullen as well. K-State hasn't been ranked since his freshman season, and the Wildcats moved in and out of the polls all year.
This time around, he thinks they can break into the rankings and stay there.
"If we win some more games," Pullen said, "they won't have any choice."
