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Originally posted by ISASO
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Here's a write-up from Adam Finkelstein of ESPN:
In order to return to the NCAA tournament, a team needs contributions from both returning players and incoming recruits. Here's a look at Wichita State and its chances of dancing again in 2015.
Possible 2014-2015 starting five:
G: Fred VanVleet
G: Tekele Cotton
G: Ron Baker
F: Rashard Kelly
F: Darius Carter
Who it loses: The Shockers lose the vast majority of their frontcourt, including leading scorer and rebounder Cleanthony Early. The 6-foot-8 forward scored in a variety of ways, utilizing his athleticism in the open floor and then going both inside and out in the half court. Chadrack Lufile and Kadeem Coleby have combined to play the majority of the minutes at the center position this season, and they’ll both move on, as will Nick Wiggins, a 6-6 swingman who provided consistent rotation minutes off the bench.
Who it adds: It’s no surprise that the frontcourt is the emphasis of a deep five-man class, beginning with a pair of 6-7 forwards with complementing styles. Zach Brown is a long and athletic slashing type with a very high ceiling, while Rashard Kelly is a rugged inside-out player who has the ability to handle mismatches. But he tends to be best inside of 12 feet. Seven-foot junior-college prospect Bush Wamukota will help to replace some of the sheer size the Shockers lose, while Eric Hamilton is another inside-out 4-man. Corey Henderson Jr. is a versatile combo guard who can shoot with range while also offering minutes at the point.
What it means for next season: The return of VanVleet, Cotton and Baker gives Wichita State as dangerous and experienced a three-guard lineup as there will be in college basketball. They’re collectively balanced and versatile, and they’re all individually efficient. Ultimately, Wichita State will likely go as far as those three take them. The Shockers’ front line will have noticeably less experience and sheer size than it did this season, and they will likely play without a true center for large stretches of time. Darius Carter is going to get a chance to step up and earn a more significant role, while the newcomers are going to have to grow up in a hurry. Kelly, in particular, could be in store for a starting job from day one, while at least two others are likely to see consistent rotation minutes in their first season.
Trending: Slightly down. Duplicating a historic season would be nearly impossible, but Wichita State’s guards will help it to remain a top-notch, mid-major powerhouse. Whether or not they ultimately compete with the big boys come next March will depend on how the frontcourt develops.
In order to return to the NCAA tournament, a team needs contributions from both returning players and incoming recruits. Here's a look at Wichita State and its chances of dancing again in 2015.
Possible 2014-2015 starting five:
G: Fred VanVleet
G: Tekele Cotton
G: Ron Baker
F: Rashard Kelly
F: Darius Carter
Who it loses: The Shockers lose the vast majority of their frontcourt, including leading scorer and rebounder Cleanthony Early. The 6-foot-8 forward scored in a variety of ways, utilizing his athleticism in the open floor and then going both inside and out in the half court. Chadrack Lufile and Kadeem Coleby have combined to play the majority of the minutes at the center position this season, and they’ll both move on, as will Nick Wiggins, a 6-6 swingman who provided consistent rotation minutes off the bench.
Who it adds: It’s no surprise that the frontcourt is the emphasis of a deep five-man class, beginning with a pair of 6-7 forwards with complementing styles. Zach Brown is a long and athletic slashing type with a very high ceiling, while Rashard Kelly is a rugged inside-out player who has the ability to handle mismatches. But he tends to be best inside of 12 feet. Seven-foot junior-college prospect Bush Wamukota will help to replace some of the sheer size the Shockers lose, while Eric Hamilton is another inside-out 4-man. Corey Henderson Jr. is a versatile combo guard who can shoot with range while also offering minutes at the point.
What it means for next season: The return of VanVleet, Cotton and Baker gives Wichita State as dangerous and experienced a three-guard lineup as there will be in college basketball. They’re collectively balanced and versatile, and they’re all individually efficient. Ultimately, Wichita State will likely go as far as those three take them. The Shockers’ front line will have noticeably less experience and sheer size than it did this season, and they will likely play without a true center for large stretches of time. Darius Carter is going to get a chance to step up and earn a more significant role, while the newcomers are going to have to grow up in a hurry. Kelly, in particular, could be in store for a starting job from day one, while at least two others are likely to see consistent rotation minutes in their first season.
Trending: Slightly down. Duplicating a historic season would be nearly impossible, but Wichita State’s guards will help it to remain a top-notch, mid-major powerhouse. Whether or not they ultimately compete with the big boys come next March will depend on how the frontcourt develops.
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