The part about playing against other professionals doesn't bother Michael Beasley.

It's everything else, though, that has the Kansas State star freshman mulling whether to forgo his remaining three seasons and enter the NBA Draft or remain in Manhattan for another year.

Today, though, he's expected to have a final decision. Beasley is supposed to announce his intentions at 5 p.m. at Bramlage Coliseum.

As of Sunday night, Beasley hadn't made up his mind. His mother, Fatima Smith, said she wasn't sure what he might do, as the decision is solely his. Sure, the decision will affect plenty of people -- his family, the Wildcats, his potential future employers -- but Smith wanted her son to realize he wasn't saddled with the responsibility to provide for the family.

This is about Beasley, and it's a little daunting for a 19-year-old kid who would probably be no worse than the No. 2 pick in June's draft.

"He's scared," Smith said Sunday. "It's all coming at him so fast.... He doesn't want to do anything (too hasty). He knows it could be a big change in his life."

Understand, Michael Beasley isn't rattled by the competition he might face.

According to a report in Friday's Los Angeles Times, Beasley, in LA as a Wooden Award finalist, was asked from his front row view of the Lakers-Clippers game at the Sports Arena whether the prospect of facing Kobe Bryant in the immediate future gave him pause about turning pro.

"No, I can play with anybody," he told the Times.

His hesitance has more to do with unfinished business than anything else. Last week in San Antonio for the Naismith Award festivities, Beasley attended the open practices for the Final Four teams. He explained afterward that he wished he and his K-State teammates were at the Alamodome instead of Beasley alone.

Beasley is aware of his legacy, already impressive following a freshman season in which he led the Wildcats to a rare home upset of eventual national champion Kansas and K-State's first NCAA Tournament victory in 20 years. He averaged 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds and was a consensus All-American.

"Would I be surprised if he stayed? Absolutely not," Smith said.

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