could see that doubled coming
up. Morris, the MVC Freshman
of the Year, will be a key force
inside given the perimeter
preferences of the other
returnees.
While internal improvement
from returnees will be important,
two transfers may hold the key to
how far the Shockers eventually
go. Senior post presence Anton
Grady was an All-Horizon league
performer at Cleveland State,
averaging 14.3 PPG and 7.9 RPG.
Wichita State’s inside scoring has
been lacking since the departure
of Carl Hall following the 2012
Final Four, and their teams tend
to be on the smaller side (277th
in effective height, a measure
of team average height weighed
for minutes via KenPom.com),
so Grady’s presence will be a
welcome change.
2013-14’s 41 percent, as opposed to
last season’s 31 percent. If he can do
this and prove his game is betterrounded, a selection come NBA
Draft time will be a possibility.
Defensive-minded, guard Tekele
Cotton and versatile forward Darius
Carter will need to be replaced,
and the Shockers will get support
from both inside and outside the
program. Returning starter Evan
Wessel stands only 6’4’’, but isn’t
afraid to mix it up with taller
players. He doesn’t stand out in any
one area, but affects the game with
his hustle and determination. In
addition to Wessel, three freshman
forwards—Shaquille Morris, Zach
Brown, and Rashard Kelly—all have
tremendous potential and will need
to show more of it this season. They
all played between 20-33 percent of
the team’s minutes last season and
“...will be able to
lean on arguably the
best backcourt in
the nation...”
The other addition is Connor
Frankamp from Kansas, a
3-point gunner who will become
eligible in December and add
firepower to the Shockers long
distance arsenal. The 41st ranked
recruit in the nation coming out
of high school, Frankamp was
having trouble finding playing
time in Lawrence, but will have
three years remaining in Wichita
to become a core member of the
team.
Gregg Marshall is
staying, at least for one
more year. VanVleet and
Baker are back for a final
ride. Young players and
transfers are ready to step
up in Wichita.
The pieces are
in place. Only
one question
remains: will
Wichita State’s recent
success culminate in a midmajor breaking through for
a National Title?
Photo: Gary Rohman - USA TODAY Sports
BBALLBREAKDOWN | 31