MP3 clip: Coach Williams discusses ending Simien's season prematurely (02-27-03) play It's over for 'Big Dub' (02-28-03) 6Sports video reports: Simien says he and his shoulder are ready to go (02-20-03) Simien relishes reputation for dunks (12-20-02) Simien shines despite pain in ankle (12-05-02) Simien gets double-double despite sore ankle (11-23-02) KU sophomore forward Simien battling tendinitis (11-12-02) Simien devours All-Stars (11-5-02) Simien aware of expectations (11-4-02) Simien: Getting 'physical' only natural in Big 12 (2-6-02)

Gary Bedore's thoughts: What's not to like about Simien? The kid grew up a KU basketball fan and accepted a scholarship the spring before his senior year of high school just to give Roy Williams a head start in recruiting. Simien is big and strong and can rebound.

He can block shots.

He has a nice touch.

Look for him to be more aggressive on the offensive end, dunking a lot more this year than last. This guy is going to rattle some rims.Wayne Simien definitely takes no prisoners. He will not be bullied by anyone. His productivity as a freshman was great. KU fans are hoping extended minutes won't bring on foul trouble.

Highlights: Averaged 8.1 ppg and 5.3 rpg while logging 15.3 minutes ... shot 55.3 percent from floor and 73.8 from line ... had 27 blocks, tying for fifth place on KU's single season frosh rejections list ... had 10 points in career debut vs. Wake Forest ... had 17 points vs. Texas ... named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Kansas ... also was Kansas' Mr. Basketball and a McDonald's All-American. ... Sunflower League player of the year, Simien poured in 19.3 points to go with 10 rebounds per game as a senior.He led the Pioneers to a 17-4 record his senior season. During his junior year, his 16.5 points, 9.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks helped the Pioneers to a 23-2 mark and state title.

More on Simien:

Full name: Wayne Anthony Simien, Jr. Favorite Food: Gumbo. Favorite TV Show: Rap City. What's In My CD Player Right Now: L.L. Wayne 500 Degreez. Nickname: Big Dub. Most Interesting Thing I Did Over Summer: Outfished my dad and uncle. After College I Plan On: NBA.

Favorite Hobby Other Than Basketball: Fishing, video games. Superstitions: Putting on jersey a certain way. Favorite Actor/Actress: Al Pacino. I Try To Mold My Game After: Karl Malone.

If I Were a Wrestler My Nickname Would Be: The Warden. I Chose My Jersey Number Because: Someone took my original number in high school.My Favorite Vacation Spot: Table Rock Lake. My Favorite NBA Player: Kenyon Martin. Following Actor Would Play Me In a Movie About My Life: Al Pacino. Thing I Like Most About Coach Williams: Honesty.

Best Player I've Ever Faced: Nick Collison. My Non Basketball Pro Athlete: Williams sisters. Favorite Non Basketball Pro Team: Royals/Chiefs.