The time has come to stop looking at Wichita State the same as any other mid-major program in college basketball. Gregg Marshall has taken the Wheat Shockers to new heights, including two Sweet 16 births in three years, and a Final Four appearance.
As for any program, big or small, sustained success beyond a certain crop of players is the goal. Marshall seems to have WSU on its way to that goal, with a healthy mix of experience and youth.
Key Losses: Darius Carter (graduation), Tekele Cotton (graduation)
Possible Losses: No announcements made
Key Returners: Ron Baker, Fred VanVleet, Evan Wessel
Key Newcomers: Landry Shamet (four-star, shooting guard)
Breakdown: Once Baker and VanVleet announced their intentions to return for another season, the Shockers immediately vaulted into many people’s projected Top 10 for next season. To that extent, there will be no argument from us here at GMS. What will be most interesting, however, is how prized Kansas City recruit Landry Shamet fits into the picture. A four-star prospect according to Rivals.com, and one of the most sought-after late bloomers in his class, Shamet will bring scoring depth, and an infusion of pure talent to Marshall’s bench. The freshmen trio of Rashard Kelly, Shaquille Morris, and Zach Brown should continue to develop and anchor down the interior. With their continued development, the Shockers should have a more formidable inside attack, which will help open things up for Baker, VanVleet and Shamet even more on the outside. Don’t look now, but WSU should be a true Final Four contender next March.
