Kansas State (6-4) at Wichita State (8-3) Game Discussion: Dec 21 (Sat)

[BAShocker]

I am wondering if those K State fans who asked me where to park, got back to their car that evening. They asked me before the game, and I mentioned there was decent parking in the 13th and Grove area, and it was a nice walk that time of day from there.

“It doesn’t do anything for us.” - Jerome Tang

[Kung Wu]

I am wondering if those K State fans who asked me where to park, got back to their car that evening. They asked me before the game, and I mentioned there was decent parking in the 13th and Grove area, and it was a nice walk that time of day from there.

“It doesn’t do anything for us.” - Jerome Tang

[ThomasKosich]

As many others have stated, it felt good to be "there" at least one more time. I don't know what the rest of the season will bring.....hell, I don't know what tomorrow will bring.

I love the game of basketball. I always have. I went to Gene's camps as a kid and had Antoine bury my ass teaching me to block out....outdoors, on asphalt. LOVED IT. So many of my most enjoyable sports moments are WSU related. I have WONDERFUL friends on this very forum, both old and new, because of basketball, and most because of WSU basketball.

I don't know if I'll ever see a game again like last night, but damn, I was happy to enjoy last night. And as so often happens, there were a ton of "extras" that made the game that much better. Surrounded by people I haven't seen in months or years....and new friends I get to enjoy being with at the games. One friend that lost his spouse not that long ago, an amazing person, who has found someone new in his life. Lots of good people everywhere.

As many noted, Charles was in attendance. I don't know where our program, this University, hell....this city would be without him and his generosity. I saw Al Higdon, a former Windwagon Smith, a man who has put countless people to work over his lifetime, made so many of them independently wealthy while donating his time and money quietly to all kinds of charities over the years. A GREAT Wichitan, a better person.

On my way out I ran into Clevin Hannah. I've known Clev since he arrived in Wichita. He's ALWAYS been kind and friendly to me, for no particular reason other than he's a great dude. He saw me first, stopped what he was doing to come over and say hi. I LOVE that he's still in the area, living in Maize. He's great.

Where would we be without Tom Kosich? The man lives in California and made his life there. IYKYK that he absolutely does NOT have to give generously of his time and money to the programs, but a guy who wore the uniform and was a good but not a star in his playing days, is now a freaking superstar in what he does for his alma mater. He looks great, is doing great, and I adore seeing him at the games. I hope he knows how much he is appreciated (and I've told him, but I'm 1 chowderhead he barely remembers from his time in Wichita).

Thank you, but the better question would be where would I be today without Wichita State ? I love my Alma Mater and feel so blessed to be able to give back. I follow this site often and while I don’t always agree with some of the posts I respect and appreciate the passion

Merry Christmas

Thomas Kosich

[WuDrWu]

Thank you, but the better question would be where would I be today without Wichita State ? I love my Alma Mater and feel so blessed to be able to give back. I follow this site often and while I don’t always agree with some of the posts I respect and appreciate the passion

Merry Christmas

Thomas Kosich

Thomas Kosich has entered the chat.


For those of us old enough to remember, Thomas is, and likely always will be, the owner of the BEST voice mail greeting (partially thanks to Mike K) AND call into the coach's show by a player at the Cedar. More HOF stuff from the center from Naperville.

[1972Shocker]

RH: "People Appreciate That Stuff"

Corey Washington made two three-pointers, dunked and squeezed in an acrobatic layup. What he did in the air looked great. Pay attention to what he did on the floor.

The fans certainly noticed. Wichita State coach Paul Mills noticed, and he noticed that the fans noticed. The Shockers learned they need to play with urgency and energy last week. Washington's game is all urgency and energy and that showed up and led the Shockers to Saturday's 84-65 win over Kansas State at Koch Arena, the largest margin of victory in the intermittent series since WSU's 75-51 win in 1995.

"Wichita State basketball fans are very smart, and what Corey is doing chasing in down 50-50 balls is contagious," Mills said. "People appreciate that stuff."

In the game's first minute, he and center Quincy Ballard hustled to turn a potential Wildcat offensive rebound into a Shocker possession. In the second half, Washington dove to the floor to secure a bouncing rebound near the sideline. His pass to Xavier Bell led to a three-pointer by Justin Hill for a 44-41 lead.

"You need to see your guys see that to understand the level of intensity and physicality that you have to play with," Mills said.

The Shocker fans, as Mills said, are eager to reward that hustle with applause.

"It definitely gives us a boost of energy," Washington said. "This game, knowing the history of it, being an in-state rivalry, it had a lot of energy and passion behind it."

Xavier Bell, from Wichita, didn't need a boost of energy for his final shot against Kansas State.

Wayne Bell, Xavier's father, played football at WSU and is friends with former Shocker star Xavier McDaniel. He named his son after WSU's ultimate basketball intensity figure. The Shockers lost two previous meetings with Bell on the roster and had lost five straight in the series (which resumed in 2021 after a 17-year layoff).

"Them coming into our place, it definitely meant more," Bell said. "That's what I said to all the guys. It felt special."

Bell started for the first time this season, a reward for a good stretch of play, and responded with 24 points, five rebounds and two blocks. He made 5 of 6 foul shots and drew an estimated 9.3 fouls (matching Hill) to help the Shockers outscore the Wildcats by 14 points at the line.

"That guy has never once complained about his role," Mills said. "He's never once asked for any money. He's never once asked to be in the starting lineup. He shows up every day and works. His care factor is through the roof. That kid is about winning."

Bell's performance highlighted a strong effort by the Shocker guards.

They took the lead in pushing the ball and providing the fast pace so critical to the offense. Hill finished with 13 points and two assists. He made all six of his foul shots and matched Bell by drawing an estimated 9.3 fouls.

Bijan Cortes excelled in the second half with four assists. He made one of the game's biggest plays by ripping the ball away from Kansas State's Coleman Hawkins in the lane. Cortes sped up court and hit Harlond Beverly for a layup and a 56-50 lead. Cortes' ability to run ball screens allowed the Shockers to pick on K-State's weaker defenders.