MANHATTAN — When Taylor Poitier was growing up, he wanted nothing more than to be the starting center for Bill Self's Kansas Jayhawks basketball team.

He and his twin brother bled crimson and blue. Poitier's entire room at his Kansas City home remains to this day decked out in Jayhawks memorabilia, celebrating his childhood love.

But when he stopped growing at 6-foot-3, Poitier's dreams of being a Big 12 center disappeared. He got bigger, found a passion for protecting the quarterback and then, the rival team down the road came calling.

Six years later, Poitier now sleeps on the couch when he goes home , refusing to go anywhere near his Jayhawks-themed bedroom.

"I really get excited when this time of year comes around," Poitier said.

Kansas State (3-4, 2-2 Big 12) will trave

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