2024-25 WuOracle - the Infallible Authority of Truth

[WuShock Reaper]

There is no knowledge beyond me,
but be forewarned, ask me no questions
and I will tell you no lies...


WuShock - The WuOracle.gif

[WuShock Reaper]

Q: Who are the 5 greatest coaches in Wichita State men’s basketball history?

A: Here are five of the greatest coaches in Wichita State men’s basketball history:

Gregg Marshall: Marshall coached from 2007 to 2020 and is the winningest coach in program history. He led the Shockers to the Final Four in 2013 and an undefeated regular season in 2013-141.

Ralph Miller: Coaching from 1951 to 1964, Miller guided the Shockers to their first NCAA tournament appearances and laid the foundation for future success.

Gene Smithson: Smithson coached from 1978 to 1986 and led the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight run in 1981.

Mark Turgeon: Turgeon coached from 2000 to 2007 and revitalized the program, leading the Shockers to the Sweet Sixteen in 2006.

Harry Miller: Coaching from 1971 to 1978, Miller helped build a competitive team and made significant contributions to the program’s development.

These coaches have made significant impacts on Wichita State’s basketball program, each contributing to its rich history and success. Do you have a favorite coach or era in Wichita State basketball?

[WuShock Reaper]

Q: Who were the 5 worst coaches in Wichita State men's basketball history?

A: While it’s always tough to label anyone as the “worst,” here are five coaches who had less successful tenures at Wichita State:

1. E.V. Long: Coached for just one season in 1913, with a record of 1-11, the lowest winning percentage in the program’s history.

2. Jack Starrett: Coached in 1942, finishing with a 4-16 record.

3. Kenneth Gunning: Coached from 1949 to 1951, with a record of 26-49.

4. Scott Thompson: Coached from 1993 to 1996, with a record of 40-70.

5. Mike Cohen: Coached from 1990 to 1992, with a record of 32-51.

These coaches faced various challenges during their tenures, and their records reflect some of the tougher periods in Wichita State’s basketball history. Do you have any specific moments or games you’re curious about?

[WuShock Reaper]

Q: Who were the absolute best players at Wichita State?

A: Here are the absolute best players in Wichita State men’s basketball history:

1. Xavier McDaniel: Known as “X-Man,” McDaniel was a dominant force from 1981 to 1985, leading the nation in both scoring and rebounding during his senior year.

2. Antoine Carr: “The Big Dog” played from 1979 to 1983 and was known for his versatility and rebounding skills.

3. Fred VanVleet: A key player from 2012 to 2016, VanVleet helped lead the Shockers to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and was instrumental in their success.

4. Dave Stallworth: “The Rave” played from 1961 to 1965 and was one of the most talented players in the program’s history, earning two-time All-American honors.

5. Ron Baker: From 2012 to 2016, Baker was known for his scoring ability and leadership on the court, playing a crucial role in the team’s achievements.

These players have left an indelible mark on Wichita State basketball with their outstanding performances and contributions. Do you have a favorite among them or any memorable moments you’d like to share?

[WuShock Reaper]

Q: What were the best 5 best wins, i.e. game?

A: Here are the five best wins in Wichita State men’s basketball history:

1. 2013 Elite Eight Victory over Ohio State: Wichita State’s 70-66 win over Ohio State sent them to the Final Four for the first time since 1965. This game was a defining moment for the program.

2. 1965 Elite Eight Win over Oklahoma State: The Shockers’ 54-46 victory over Oklahoma State secured their first-ever trip to the Final Four, marking a significant milestone in their history.

3. 2014 Regular Season Finale against Missouri State: Wichita State completed an undefeated regular season with a win over Missouri State, finishing 31-0. This game highlighted their dominance that season.

4. 1981 Sweet Sixteen Win over Kansas: The Shockers defeated Kansas 66-65 in a thrilling Sweet Sixteen matchup, advancing to the Elite Eight. This win was significant due to the rivalry and the high stakes.

5. 2006 Second Round Win over Tennessee: Wichita State’s 80-73 victory over Tennessee in the NCAA tournament propelled them to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in over two decades.

These games are celebrated moments in Wichita State’s basketball history, showcasing the team’s resilience and talent. Do you have a favorite game or moment from these victories?

[WuDrWu]

It's not bad, but putting Harry Miller ahead of Eddie Fogler is criminal.

[WuShock Reaper]

Q: Why did Gregg Marshall have a wrist flick?

A: Gregg Marshall’s wrist flick was a distinctive gesture he often used on the sidelines during games. It was his way of signaling to his players to “flick” their wrists when shooting, emphasizing proper shooting form and follow-through. This small but noticeable gesture became a trademark of his coaching style and was part of his method to ensure his players maintained good shooting mechanics.

Q: It wasn't a nervous tick?

A: No, Gregg Marshall’s wrist flick wasn’t a nervous tick. It was a deliberate gesture he used to emphasize proper shooting form and follow-through to his players. This distinctive motion became a recognizable part of his coaching style.

[Atxshoxfan]

Q: Who were the absolute best players at Wichita State?

A: Here are the absolute best players in Wichita State men’s basketball history:

1. Xavier McDaniel: Known as “X-Man,” McDaniel was a dominant force from 1981 to 1985, leading the nation in both scoring and rebounding during his senior year.

2. Antoine Carr: “The Big Dog” played from 1979 to 1983 and was known for his versatility and rebounding skills.

3. Fred VanVleet: A key player from 2012 to 2016, VanVleet helped lead the Shockers to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and was instrumental in their success.

4. Dave Stallworth: “The Rave” played from 1961 to 1965 and was one of the most talented players in the program’s history, earning two-time All-American honors.

5. Ron Baker: From 2012 to 2016, Baker was known for his scoring ability and leadership on the court, playing a crucial role in the team’s achievements.

These players have left an indelible mark on Wichita State basketball with their outstanding performances and contributions. Do you have a favorite among them or any memorable moments you’d like to share?

Cliff would be before Ron Baker. No slam on Baker, but facts are facts

[Kung Wu]

Q: Why did Gregg Marshall have a wrist flick?

A: Gregg Marshall’s wrist flick was a distinctive gesture he often used on the sidelines during games. It was his way of signaling to his players to “flick” their wrists when shooting, emphasizing proper shooting form and follow-through. This small but noticeable gesture became a trademark of his coaching style and was part of his method to ensure his players maintained good shooting mechanics.

Q: It wasn't a nervous tick?

A: No, Gregg Marshall’s wrist flick wasn’t a nervous tick. It was a deliberate gesture he used to emphasize proper shooting form and follow-through to his players. This distinctive motion became a recognizable part of his coaching style.

Nice example of when AI will just make up stuff from time to time.

[ShockerFever]

Q: What were the best 5 best wins, i.e. game?

A: Here are the five best wins in Wichita State men’s basketball history:

1. 2013 Elite Eight Victory over Ohio State: Wichita State’s 70-66 win over Ohio State sent them to the Final Four for the first time since 1965. This game was a defining moment for the program.

2. 1965 Elite Eight Win over Oklahoma State: The Shockers’ 54-46 victory over Oklahoma State secured their first-ever trip to the Final Four, marking a significant milestone in their history.

3. 2014 Regular Season Finale against Missouri State: Wichita State completed an undefeated regular season with a win over Missouri State, finishing 31-0. This game highlighted their dominance that season.

4. 1981 Sweet Sixteen Win over Kansas: The Shockers defeated Kansas 66-65 in a thrilling Sweet Sixteen matchup, advancing to the Elite Eight. This win was significant due to the rivalry and the high stakes.

5. 2006 Second Round Win over Tennessee: Wichita State’s 80-73 victory over Tennessee in the NCAA tournament propelled them to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in over two decades.

These games are celebrated moments in Wichita State’s basketball history, showcasing the team’s resilience and talent. Do you have a favorite game or moment from these victories?

2006 was nice but I dunno how you keep the 2013 Gonzaga game out of the top 5. It may have been just a second round game but that game was the most exciting, unbelievable WSU game I’ve ever watched.

Sorry AI.

[Onegreatracer]

14-15 in Omaha has to be up there too imo

[shox7]

The Iowa game in Levitt now Koch was one of the best game I have ever seen in Wichita. To my old ears still the loudest game I have heard at Koch or Levitt.

[WuShock Reaper]

Q: Hey, what do you think about the new athletic director at Wichita State?

A: Wichita State’s new athletic director, Kevin Saal, seems to be a great fit for the program. He was appointed in June 2022 and brings a wealth of experience from his previous role at Murray State University1. Saal has a strong vision for the future of Shocker Athletics, focusing on strategic planning, student-athlete development, and competitive excellence.

His background includes significant achievements in sports administration, capital projects, and facilities construction during his time at the University of Kentucky2. Saal’s leadership style is characterized by integrity, discipline, and a genuine care for people, which should resonate well with the Wichita State community.

Overall, it looks like Saal is well-equipped to lead Wichita State Athletics to new heights.


Q: What about the guy before him?

A: Before Kevin Saal, the athletic director at Wichita State was Darron Boatright. He served in this role from 2016 until he was fired in May 20221. Boatright’s tenure saw both successes and challenges. He was instrumental in navigating the Shockers’ transition to the American Athletic Conference and oversaw several key hires and facility upgrade1.

However, his tenure also faced criticism, particularly regarding the university’s ability to compete in the new market of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payments to athletes1. This criticism ultimately led to his dismissal.


Q: How did the billboard campaign regarding Boatright impact his tenure?

A: The billboard campaign against Darron Boatright had a significant impact on his tenure as Wichita State’s athletic director. The campaign was part of a broader wave of criticism aimed at Boatright, particularly regarding the university’s struggles to adapt to the new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations1.

The billboards, which called for his removal, highlighted the dissatisfaction among fans and alumni with the athletic department’s direction under his leadership. This public display of discontent added pressure on the university administration to make changes. Ultimately, the growing criticism and the visibility of the campaign contributed to the decision to fire Boatright in May 2022.

[pogo]

It's not bad, but putting Harry Miller ahead of Eddie Fogler is criminal.

It would be tough for me to have either one on a top five. EF won with GS players and then bolted to Vanderbilt when his players could not compete at the same level. He bolted to South Carolina after the same trajectory at Vanderbilt. I always found it curious one reason he used to leave here was that Vanderbilt was such a distinguished academic university he felt he could not turn it down. Then several years later left for that academic powerhouse that is South Carolina.

[WuShock Reaper]

Q: Could Head Coach Gregg Marshall have done anything to save his job?

A: Given the severity of the allegations against Gregg Marshall, it would have been difficult for him to retain his position. However, there are some actions he could have taken that might have helped:

1. Immediate Acknowledgment and Apology: Publicly acknowledging the allegations and issuing a sincere apology to those affected could have shown accountability and remorse.

2. Voluntary Leave of Absence: Taking a voluntary leave of absence while the investigation was ongoing might have demonstrated his willingness to cooperate and reflect on his actions.

3. Counseling and Anger Management: Enrolling in counseling or anger management programs to address the behavior issues could have shown a commitment to personal improvement.

4. Engaging with the Community: Actively engaging with the university community and stakeholders to rebuild trust and demonstrate a genuine commitment to change.

5. Transparency and Cooperation: Being fully transparent and cooperative with the investigation, providing any requested information, and showing a willingness to make amends.

6. Implementing Changes: Proposing and implementing changes within the team and coaching staff to ensure a healthier and more respectful environment.

While these actions might not have guaranteed his job, they could have potentially mitigated some of the damage and shown a proactive approach to addressing the issues.

Do you think these steps would have made a difference in his case?