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Here is how I would grade out the non-conference season. At this point in the season - what you see is probably what you are going to get.
Non-Conference Schedule: B+
There has been some misses (LBS, Tulsa, STL) who will be a drag, but WSU can hope that LSU, OU and Colorado St. do better as they could finish in the top 100. There is certainly was some good opportunities with Louisville, MST and OSU.
Non-Conference Execution: C+
One more victory, and it is probably B+/A-. Overall, their at-large resume will be pretty weak with likely no Top 50’s wins and probably no opportunity to garner any in the MVC. If they can blow through the MVC maybe they can still get an at-large.
Shaq (Jr) – C
We see glimpse of how dominant he can be, but doesn’t look like he has the motor for it. WSU really need him to take big step forward, but he only improved from 15.6 min/g to 17.2 and increased his scoring from 6.8 to 7.6 ppg. Just to show how uneven he is – he lead the team in 13 blocks (9 of them came against LBS and OU). WSU needs him to improve his grade if WSU.
Kelly (jr) – C
Another veteran that has not significantly improved from last year. I thought he would take a big step forward this year. His ceiling looks to be a role player where he might score 10-12 pts on isolated nights.
Brown (Jr) – B+
Zach has taken the jump forward. He has went from 6.7 ppg to 10ppg. He has improved his 3pt shooting from 31% to 42%. His assist to turnover has increased from 0.9 to 2.1. He has the ability to hit the 3pt while getting inside and getting to the FT line.
Nurger (Jr) – C
Had high hopes for him, but it looks like he is just a role player (and there is nothing wrong with that). He being a starter probably speaks to a bigger problem with the work ethic of some of more skilled players. His minutes have doubled (7.6 to 16.1) but his scoring has only improved from 1.6ppg to 4.8 and is only averaging 2.6 rbds (for 7’ that is kind of inexcusable).
Frankamp (Jr-R) – C-
There were some that said he was just deferring to Fred/Ron last year. But he’s actually averaging less scoring (dropped from 6.1ppg to 5.8), his assists to turnover has decreased from 5.6 to 3.6. He is playing 1/3 more minutes (increased from 17.1 min/g to 21.4 min/g). His 3pt shooting has dropped to 32%. It looks like he another veteran who has a ceiling of being just a role player . He is important because he does give depth at PG and with the right matchup will probably torch some MVC teams. If people calm down their expectation for him, he is probably a B type player. He is isn't going to be all-league or carry this team - but he can make some teams pay during conference play.
Willis (Jr-xfer) – A-
He is now averaging 11.3 ppg and 6.1 rebounds. He is shooting 55% from the field. If his game against OSU is any indication, he could put up all-league numbers against MVC opponents. He has been a nice surprise and acclimated well to D-1.
D. Smith (Jr-xfer) - B+
He leads the team in steals; he can shoot the 3-ball (43%) and hitting 90% from FT. Negatives are he is only averaging 3.1 assist/game and can turn it over a little. Had he had a little better game against OSU, probably would have given him a grade of A.
McDuffie (So) – B+
His scoring has increased from 7.4 to 10.8 and his rebounding from 3.3 to 4.8. His shooting has improved – he is shooting 44% from the field and 36% from three. My expectation was coming into the season that he would likely be scoring leader, but I am going to give him a break, because it looks like his knee is still bothering him and so he probably playing through some pain.
Hamilton (So) – D
I would have thought we would have seen more progress with him. I don't know what else to say about him.
Shamet (Fr-R) – B
I think we forget he is still a freshman. He is putting up solid numbers with 8.2 ppg. Needs to improve his 3pt numbers (32%). I would expect we will see him continue to get better and grow as the season progresses.
Reaves (Fr) – B
He is shooting an amazing 52% from the 3pt line. Up to the OSU game, he was 5 for 8 in the last 3 games from 3pt and was looking like he was getting comfortable, but he took a step back against OSU and dropped his grade some. But if he can stay injury free, he should not only get better as a player but would expect his contribution to grow. I think he’s going to eat some MVC teams alive if they a doubling down on Willis/Shaq.
Keyser (Fr) – C-
Obviously the injury over the summer set him back. When he has gotten opportunities has struggled with turnovers and has not shot well. Plus there were the academic issue that cost him a game. Hopefully, as he gets his feet under him he can contribute a little more during conference season.
Non-Conference Schedule: B+
There has been some misses (LBS, Tulsa, STL) who will be a drag, but WSU can hope that LSU, OU and Colorado St. do better as they could finish in the top 100. There is certainly was some good opportunities with Louisville, MST and OSU.
Non-Conference Execution: C+
One more victory, and it is probably B+/A-. Overall, their at-large resume will be pretty weak with likely no Top 50’s wins and probably no opportunity to garner any in the MVC. If they can blow through the MVC maybe they can still get an at-large.
Shaq (Jr) – C
We see glimpse of how dominant he can be, but doesn’t look like he has the motor for it. WSU really need him to take big step forward, but he only improved from 15.6 min/g to 17.2 and increased his scoring from 6.8 to 7.6 ppg. Just to show how uneven he is – he lead the team in 13 blocks (9 of them came against LBS and OU). WSU needs him to improve his grade if WSU.
Kelly (jr) – C
Another veteran that has not significantly improved from last year. I thought he would take a big step forward this year. His ceiling looks to be a role player where he might score 10-12 pts on isolated nights.
Brown (Jr) – B+
Zach has taken the jump forward. He has went from 6.7 ppg to 10ppg. He has improved his 3pt shooting from 31% to 42%. His assist to turnover has increased from 0.9 to 2.1. He has the ability to hit the 3pt while getting inside and getting to the FT line.
Nurger (Jr) – C
Had high hopes for him, but it looks like he is just a role player (and there is nothing wrong with that). He being a starter probably speaks to a bigger problem with the work ethic of some of more skilled players. His minutes have doubled (7.6 to 16.1) but his scoring has only improved from 1.6ppg to 4.8 and is only averaging 2.6 rbds (for 7’ that is kind of inexcusable).
Frankamp (Jr-R) – C-
There were some that said he was just deferring to Fred/Ron last year. But he’s actually averaging less scoring (dropped from 6.1ppg to 5.8), his assists to turnover has decreased from 5.6 to 3.6. He is playing 1/3 more minutes (increased from 17.1 min/g to 21.4 min/g). His 3pt shooting has dropped to 32%. It looks like he another veteran who has a ceiling of being just a role player . He is important because he does give depth at PG and with the right matchup will probably torch some MVC teams. If people calm down their expectation for him, he is probably a B type player. He is isn't going to be all-league or carry this team - but he can make some teams pay during conference play.
Willis (Jr-xfer) – A-
He is now averaging 11.3 ppg and 6.1 rebounds. He is shooting 55% from the field. If his game against OSU is any indication, he could put up all-league numbers against MVC opponents. He has been a nice surprise and acclimated well to D-1.
D. Smith (Jr-xfer) - B+
He leads the team in steals; he can shoot the 3-ball (43%) and hitting 90% from FT. Negatives are he is only averaging 3.1 assist/game and can turn it over a little. Had he had a little better game against OSU, probably would have given him a grade of A.
McDuffie (So) – B+
His scoring has increased from 7.4 to 10.8 and his rebounding from 3.3 to 4.8. His shooting has improved – he is shooting 44% from the field and 36% from three. My expectation was coming into the season that he would likely be scoring leader, but I am going to give him a break, because it looks like his knee is still bothering him and so he probably playing through some pain.
Hamilton (So) – D
I would have thought we would have seen more progress with him. I don't know what else to say about him.
Shamet (Fr-R) – B
I think we forget he is still a freshman. He is putting up solid numbers with 8.2 ppg. Needs to improve his 3pt numbers (32%). I would expect we will see him continue to get better and grow as the season progresses.
Reaves (Fr) – B
He is shooting an amazing 52% from the 3pt line. Up to the OSU game, he was 5 for 8 in the last 3 games from 3pt and was looking like he was getting comfortable, but he took a step back against OSU and dropped his grade some. But if he can stay injury free, he should not only get better as a player but would expect his contribution to grow. I think he’s going to eat some MVC teams alive if they a doubling down on Willis/Shaq.
Keyser (Fr) – C-
Obviously the injury over the summer set him back. When he has gotten opportunities has struggled with turnovers and has not shot well. Plus there were the academic issue that cost him a game. Hopefully, as he gets his feet under him he can contribute a little more during conference season.
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