2013-2014 Bracketology

[ShockerPrez]

Just as an outside perspective, you're losing some very nice talent in Hall and Armstead. But you do have some young talent coming up. Early is your guy next year and he needs to Baker and Cotton to step up. No doubt you have a great coach. From a talent perspective, I can see Wichita's ceiling at a #5 seed next year.

For some reason, this sounds very familiar. I don't know how we overcome the loss of key players.

[another shocker]

For some reason, this sounds very familiar. I don't know how we overcome the loss of key players.

i'd say that wichita state returns more than they have from one season to the next in a long time. add in coleby and carter and, well, creighton was about to get deep sixed by the shockers next year. you should know that, ebracket

moving on, shockers are loaded at guard, big time

[WSUwatcher]

Remember, WSU was a #5 seed two years ago, although they were helped by winning the league somewhat decisively over a good Creighton team, something that obviously won't happen next year.

Still, with many around here expecting that the 2013-14 Shocks will be as talented as, if not more talented than, the team that stumbled against VCU -- and with the Final Four run giving WSU extra attention, as well as a boost in motivation and a likely boost in scheduling -- few of us will be surprised if WSU reaches even higher than #5. Bring on the season!

[AndShock]

I don't see anything wrong with a projected #7 seed. We lose 2 of our most important players and on the surface a 7 would fit right in line.

I do see something wrong with a #5 as our ceiling. Like @WSUwatcher: mentioned, we were a 5 two years ago, and we should be much better next year. I'd put our ceiling at a #2 and that's only because the committee won't give us a #1 even if we deserve it. Translated: We don't have a ceiling.

[Aargh]

I like the 7 seed.

I like it taped to every locker.

It seems that none of the pundits have figured out that last year's best 3-pt. shooter didn't return from injury, but will be participating this year. Or that Baker's performance in the NCAA's was after missing 21 gmes and then playing 3 to get back into game shape and form. Or that FVV was a legitimate top-100 recruit and would probably be getting huge props if he had signed with a B1G school.

Cotton's improved shooting, Baker's full-time return to the lineup, Wessel's return from injury, and FVV's outside shot mean the Shox won't require a glass-eating offensive board cleaner, which was one of Hall's main contributions. When the ball goes in the basket, there is no need for an offensive rebound.

Throw in a Fr SG whose HS coach gave him a green light to shoot the moment he had the ball past half court. Throw in a shot-swatting 6'8" 260-lb. Fr who had a shopping list of BCS offers. Then there's the Marshall effect and "are you satisfied"? I don't think the current group of Shox are going to be satisfied with a 7-seed projection. I think they will be insulted - and that's the way we like to see them play.

[Rlh04d]

I don't see anything wrong with a projected #7 seed. We lose 2 of our most important players and on the surface a 7 would fit right in line.

I do see something wrong with a #5 as our ceiling. Like @WSUwatcher mentioned, we were a 5 two years ago, and we should be much better next year. I'd put our ceiling at a #2 and that's only because the committee won't give us a #1 even if we deserve it. Translated: We don't have a ceiling.

Agreed. I'm perfectly fine with an outsider take putting us as a 7 seed.

I do have a major problem with putting a ceiling on us. Our ceiling for next year is undefeated with regular season and conference tournament championships. And that's probably a 1 or 2 seed. I'm personally looking for a 27-4 record next year, which would probably translate as a 4 or 5 seed, depending on how RPI's shake out.

But predictions are all fairly worthless at this stage in the game. Plenty of teams loaded with great talent just don't click for whatever reason. It'll all work out on the court, and we'll get the respect we deserve from how we perform, not from how we talk about it in the offseason.

[EBracket]

Thanks for taking a look everybody. Nothing like preseason talk in May. Check back as the site will be updated regularly.Once schedules are released, things will change dramatically.

[kcshocker11]

A 7 seed means we are in. That would make us 3 in a row. Final 4 with a 9th seed, what can we do with a seven? Play Angry my friends. We are not satisfied.

[WSUwatcher]

Play Angry my friends.

"Gregg Marshall is the most interesting coach in the world."

Thanks for your efforts, EBracket. We look forward to blowing through the "ceiling."

[Dave Stalwart]

"Gregg Marshall is the most interesting coach in the world."

Thanks for your efforts, EBracket. We look forward to blowing through the "ceiling."

I like all the ceiling comments on here. It doesn't matter what anyone says our ceiling is. "This is the moment. Tonight is the night. We'll fight till its over, so we put our hands up like the ceiling can't hold us" :)

[molly jabali]

a #7 vs. a #2 KU matchup...THAT would be interesting!

[EB 22]

disagree, as stated earlier. cotton is acc level, baker is big 12 level, van vleet is big 10 level.. obviously. now they improve from last year. did you know that wichita state went to the final four last year and will be improved next year (although a final four is never guaranteed, unless you're the top two teams)?

can't go into long drawn out posts, but creighton was going to get clocked hard next year anyway by wichita state.

I don't think Kadeem Coleby is getting much love. Senior, who's had a year to learn the system. He could prove to be quite valuable this upcoming season.

[pie n eye]

I think the floor for the shockers is a 16 seed.

[another shocker]

I don't think Kadeem Coleby is getting much love. Senior, who's had a year to learn the system. He could prove to be quite valuable this upcoming season.

i would agree.. i think he will be very valuable.

also, i'm also looking forward to seeing shaquile morris, oklahoma big-school player of the year, in a shocker uniform- he has the size and speed to go along with that name. dj bowles, tennesse kid via florida, was probably the best point guard available when he signed with wichita state.. two vanvleet types is better than one. darius carter is about like carl hall all over again (but he'll probably dunk more). wichita state is l-o-a-d-e-d and they will d it up like prime duke.. not that anybody nationally is paying attention quite the way they should be. 'shockers have averaged 27 wins per year over the last four years- i can see 27 wins again next year.

i appreciate you efforts at bracketology. 'not sure I could do it, especially this early.

[Zardoz]

I don't think Kadeem Coleby is getting much love. Senior, who's had a year to learn the system. He could prove to be quite valuable this upcoming season.

I agree that Coleby isn't getting the love he deserves in most of these pieces and I think Lufile will be much improved. Add in the rest of the newcomers, returning core players, and the man with the plan, HC3G and 5 isn't even close to being the ceiling.