Whereas just over a month ago Wichita State’s NCAA Tournament odds were looking dim, the Shockers have accomplished a full turnaround and now look to be on the right side of the tournament bubble.
Much of that can be credited to the return of Fred Van Vleet, who has settled down WSU’s offense and revamped their defense. Since his return, Gregg Marshall’s group has won 11 of 12 games and sits at 16-5 overall, 10-0 in MVC play. The talk surrounding this team in the preseason was focused on whether they could fend off challengers like Illinois State, Northern Iowa, and Evansville to go undefeated in conference. Two dominating road wins over the Panthers and Aces later, things are looking up in that department once again.
Of course, it isn’t just Van Vlelet who has things going for himself.
Kansas transfer and local product Conner Frankamp has found his stroke from beyond the arc after starting out his eligibility struggling with his shot. Ron Baker has increased his efficiency with his point guard back as well, leading the team in points while creeping towards 45-percent shooting from the field.
Wichita State isn’t just rising in perception, a perception that has them back in the AP Top 25. Their RPI is up to No. 32 and their predicted RPI is No. 27 at this point. Both numbers will come in handy on Selection Sunday.
Few believed that Wichita State’s NCAA Tournament odds would dip near fatal levels by end of year, but it’s still refreshing to see this group finally playing the way that they’re capable of.
