Expectations?

[Aargh]

My expectations are modest. At-large NCAA resume coming out of OOC play. Win the Valley by a 2 or 3 game margin. Screw St. Lou. Who cares. I'd much rather attempt to end the season on a 6-game winning streak than on a 9-game winning streak.

In the NCAA's, I'm looking for S16 or E8. That seems realistic. There are a lot of very good teams who never make it to that level in the post-season. Just ask any CU fan. I would not be shocked if this team makes a run to the FF or the NC game. I think they've got the personnel to get there, but so do about a dozen other schools.

[Play Angry]

I expect this year's team to go 29-2 (17-1) in the regular season, sweep through St. Louis, and earn a 2 or 3 seed in the Dance. Anything less than a S16 in the tournament would probably be a little bit disappointing.

I will be stunned if we lose more than 2 games in conference play. We are gonna run away and hide with the title this year.

[The 'hut]

I expect a couple of bumps on the way to a Valley Championship. I expect Baker, Cle, Fred, etal to help me through some cold winter nights when I stay with my father who has started having some health issues. I expect to change the KARMA in St. Louis as I have never attended, but will be there in 2014. I expect a couple of NCAA victories. I lose my expectations at that point. I will enjoy watching the team I have cheered for since 1973, when I was the only, and I mean only, junior high boy in my entire Kansas community who even knew about Wichita State, play on the big stages of the best sporting tournament in the world. I will have a glass or two of Pinot Noir and cap the night, win or lose, with a Woodford Reserve......Ain't this gonna be a ride!

[AZ Shocker]

I'll play devil's advocate and kinda agree with "some" of the national guys on the fact that losing both Armstrong and Hall (and even Orupke for that matter) will definitely play a role on how this team will be "game-planned" against.

1. - Hall was just 100% sick on rebounding. Always in the mix for either grabbing the ball or tipping it to keep it alive. Very strong dude.

2. Armstrong....well....let's remember he was a lefty and could get to the rack fairly easily and laying up lay-ups to an unexpected big. That "left hand" played a lot more in finishing at the rim than a lot of people realize.

3. Orupke was a HUGE deterrent on defense. Clogging the lane and either blocking shots or in the opponents heads about blocking shots.

So...replacing those three will definitely be a task for Gregg Marshall. Yes Carter and Colbey on paper are looking to fill those shoes....but there's A LOT of season to play my friends!!!

My prediction....Shocks lose 3 in the Valley. Lose one game out of conference. Then go on and win the 2014 National Championship against Kentucky!!!!!!
YEAH BABY!!!

[im4wsu]

I'll play devil's advocate and kinda agree with "some" of the national guys on the fact that losing both Armstrong and Hall (and even Orupke for that matter) will definitely play a role on how this team will be "game-planned" against.

1. - Hall was just 100% sick on rebounding. Always in the mix for either grabbing the ball or tipping it to keep it alive. Very strong dude.

2. Armstrong....well....let's remember he was a lefty and could get to the rack fairly easily and laying up lay-ups to an unexpected big. That "left hand" played a lot more in finishing at the rim than a lot of people realize.

3. Orupke was a HUGE deterrent on defense. Clogging the lane and either blocking shots or in the opponents heads about blocking shots.

So...replacing those three will definitely be a task for Gregg Marshall. Yes Carter and Colbey on paper are looking to fill those shoes....but there's A LOT of season to play my friends!!!

My prediction....Shocks lose 3 in the Valley. Lose one game out of conference. Then go on and win the 2014 National Championship against Kentucky!!!!!!
YEAH BABY!!!

Armstrong scored ZERO for the Shockers last season

[ShockerFever]

I expect this year's team to go 29-2 (17-1) in the regular season, sweep through St. Louis, and earn a 2 or 3 seed in the Dance. Anything less than a S16 in the tournament would probably be a little bit disappointing.

I will be stunned if we lose more than 2 games in conference play. We are gonna run away and hide with the title this year.

I don't even think Louisville would go 29-2 with our schedule, Valley included.

It's good to expect the most and best out of our team, but with those numbers, prepare to get disappointed. It's just not gonna be that "easy". Sweet 16 should be a legitimate goal, but making the NCAA's should be the minimum. It all depends on matchups.

[Rep4Christ]

I'm looking forward to an undefeated season :)

I hope the shocks see this.

[wu_shizzle]

Armstrong scored ZERO for the Shockers last season

[The 'hut]

Armstrong scored ZERO for the Shockers last season

Unless Reggie Miller was calling the game.

[kochHead]

Unless Reggie Miller was calling the game.

Yup, Armstrong played a solid first half according to Miller. He was replaced by Armstead in the second half though.

[Dan]

Marcus had a pretty good post-season though

[SpanglerFan316]

My expectation is that the "Patio Sale" of tee-shirts and sweat shirts that the WSU bookstore is holding from 10am-3pm at the north end of the RSC will offer fans some goods deals. $5 tee-shirts, for example.

[Play Angry]

I don't even think Louisville would go 29-2 with our schedule, Valley included.

It's good to expect the most and best out of our team, but with those numbers, prepare to get disappointed. It's just not gonna be that "easy". Sweet 16 should be a legitimate goal, but making the NCAA's should be the minimum. It all depends on matchups.

Fair points. I erred more on the side of "predictions" rather than a floor (or minimum expectations).

I really do think this will be our best regular season team in 30+ years and possibly ever though. I think we'll be favored in every single game except @ SLU.

[MadaboutWu]

Sweet user name!

[DwShock]

This is awesome. http://youtu.be/Qa176K7bcts