2017-18 National Poll Rankings

[ShockingButTrue]

The Shox need to finally show in Maui. Seems like we've fallen short lately in our recent chances against quality non con opponents in our early season tourneys.

Time to bring one of these titles home. If we do that, I think we can maintain a top 10 ranking throughout the year. Losses in the AAC wouldnt be as harmful, so we need to backup our high ranking early and maintain.

We need to come out blasting everyone!

True, but we've done well in post season tourneys. So it's more than even. :wsu_posters:

[ShockerPrez]

True, but we've done well in post season tourneys. So it's more than even. :wsu_posters:

No doubt, but could have done better in the post season via a better seed, had we done better in the non con tourney.

Perhaps...

[vbird53]

ESPN computers say we're #1! http://www.espn.com/mens-college-bas...mer-bpi-update

We're #1! We're #1!

All good...

However, they clearly state in the article that this ranking does not take transfers into consideration, or the upcoming schedule.

Seems a bit premature to release a ranking when we don't have the schedule out yet.

[Cdizzle]

We're #1! We're #1!

All good...

However, they clearly state in the article that this ranking does not take transfers into consideration, or the upcoming schedule.

Seems a bit premature to release a ranking when we don't have the schedule out yet.

They don't use un-played games on the schedule to determine their ranking. That would be insane. Actually, the voters like to do this sort of thing, but the computer doesn't do it. They are saying they can't produce season projections based on the BPI without knowing the schedules.

[asiseeit]

We peaked at the right time last season. We will be very good this season.
Hopefully a top ten team, but lets not over hype this years team just yet.
There are a lot of outstanding teams out there and it's who is playing the
best in March that counts.

[Cdizzle]

There are a lot of outstanding teams out there and it's who is playing the
best in March that counts.

That's true. It doesn't mean those other potentially great teams should be recognized accordingly and WSU should not. That is still a battle that needs fought.

See also: 2017 10 seed.

[WSUwatcher]

IT'S LITERALLY THE SAME TEAM

And probably even better for the year of experience, which of course will provide cover for the voters who suddenly awaken to how good the Shocks really are.

Voters who still subscribe to the mid-major stereotype will underrate them; those who look at the Shocks on merit won't, which is why we're seeing all these preseason top ten, or five, or higher picks. What I think will be interesting is what happens if the Shocks get upset a time or two, as most teams do -- will WSU get the "quality loss" pass that others do (ahem, Flagship) or will they be treated like a bunch of interlopers who got in over their heads? A look at Creighton's first year in the Geographically Enormous East may be instructive in that event.

Of course, maybe they'll stay healthy and play well and just avoid the upsets. That can happen, too, and if it does, I'd say don't hold your breath waiting for the ESPN pundits to rank them 15th as you suggested earlier.

[Jamar Howard 4 President]

A look at Creighton's first year in the Geographically Enormous East may be instructive in that event.

Creighton started 2013-2014 unranked, entered the top 25 in week 3, exited for a bit in December, then rose to a steady ranking in the teens. They had 1 week in the top 10 all year. They had a grand total of 0 weeks spent ahead of WSU from the lowly MVC, who started preseason #16 and was top 10 each and every week from mid-December on.

I see nothing instructive about that Creighton team for this conversation. WSU has already had seasons staying highly ranked all season. This year, with the AAC boost, they certainly won't be floating in and out of the top 25.

[SHOCKvalue]

This year, with the AAC boost, they certainly won't be floating in and out of the top 25.

Which is awesome and asinine at the same time.

[rrshock]

ESPN computers say we're #1! http://www.espn.com/mens-college-bas...mer-bpi-update

Looking at that, the Shocks have up to 4 games against the top 11 teams on the list. 5 if they catch Cinnci in the AAC Tourney

[another shocker]

Looking at that, the Shocks have up to 4 games against the top 11 teams on the list. 5 if they catch Cinnci in the AAC Tourney

i think they will do all right ... too much experience on shocker side

[WuShock Reaper]

oops

[wichshock65]

NCAAMReview Preseason Top 25

1 Arizona
2 Duke
3 UNC
4 Kansas
5 Wichita State

https://ncaamreview.com/2017/08/14/ncaamreview-preseason-top-25/amp/

[WuShock Reaper]

"How Marvin Bagley shook up the college hoops Way-Too-Early Top 25" - ESPN

by Myron Medcalf, ESPN Sports Writer
Posted: 08/17/17, 8:36am CDT

http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/20360600/marvin-bagley-iii-duke-blue-devils-jump-arizona-wildcats-no-1-way-too-early-top-25

"1. Duke Blue Devils
2. Arizona Wildcats
3. Kansas Jayhawks
4. Michigan State Spartans
5. Kentucky Wildcats
6. Louisville Cardinals
7. Florida Gators
8. West Virginia Mountaineers
9. Villanova Wildcats

10. Wichita State Shockers
Previous Way-Too-Early ranking: 6
Key losses: None
Key additions: None

Last month, Landry Shamet (24.1 percent assist rate in league play, 44 percent from the 3-point line) suffered a stress fracture in his right foot, an injury that could demand a four-month recovery and threaten his availability for the start of the season. Shamet, the gifted point guard who scored 20 points and did not commit a turnover in his team's second-round NCAA tourney loss to Kentucky in March, redshirted during his freshman season after suffering a stress fracture in his left foot. So this is a scary development for the Shockers who -- if healthy -- can win the American Athletic Conference title in their inaugural season and chase another Final Four berth. Every key player from last season's squad will return in 2017-18. Shaquille Morris announced his return after entering the NBA draft without hiring an agent. Markis McDuffie, who led last season's team with 11.5 PPG, also tested the waters but will join Morris & Co. back in Wichita, Kansas, this year. A backcourt of Conner Frankamp (8.6 PPG, 44 percent from the 3-point line) and Shamet should lead Wichita State to another successful season under coach Gregg Marshall. But we're moving Wichita State down until we know more about Shamet's recovery...."

[Cdizzle]

The excuse-train for lowering our ranking is leaving the station. And it's only August. All-Aboard!!