Good Season Shox! Make Next Year Even Better!

[ShockerPrez]

I have calmed down just a little bit. But just wanted to look at the positives of the season as a whole.

It was definitely a roller coaster ride. Our boys put up a hell of a fight. I mean a helluva fight, and for that I am so proud of them. I am proud to be a Shocker fan today.

We could have lost that game by 40, but our young players stepped up and showed a glimpse of the future. We are going to be stacked next year.

My only hope is that the team bonds from this and gets a little chip on their shoulder. We have a head coach, whom I believe will sit this group down tonight or tomorrow and give them a speech or talking points that go something like this:

1. I love you guys. You showed me that you have the heart to be something special. We need to always play with our emotion and persistence at all times.

2. I want you to remember this feeling right now. I want you to remember the sting of it. Never forget it.

3. I am going to work my tail off to make sure we never feel this sting again as long as I am your coach. And I ask for your committment to give 150% in everything that you do for this team.

4. This league has gone too many years with the Shockers playing second fiddle and it ends right now. We have a long list of vengence to wreak, and we are going to start dishing it out, and no one but us and our fans are going to like it.

5. From this point on, Wichita State is going to be the team that defines this conference, and sets the bar for excellence in it.

6. I love you guys.

[Rosewood]

Remember the year after we the last time we ended the season on a heart breaker?

[cjp27]

This team is going to be pretty darn good next year. I would guess we'd be picked around 5th next season. What happened the last time WSU was picked 5th in the Valley?? :wsu_posters:

[shockar25]

As bitter as the 'Woodfox pill' was to swallow tonight, I am truly proud of our team. Yes, they shouldn't have let themselves get down by 22 or whatever, and they maybe shouldn't have gone 0-6 in the Valley to start the year, but there are a lot of success stories in terms of improvement from this team.

JT Durley has been getting better and better--after we were all about ready to throw him under the bus (and for good reason) early on. All I can say about him is--he's made HUGE strides both offensively and defensively and I look forward to watching him for 2 more seasons.

Ramon--we'll miss ya man. He was a great and true warrior--he fought back after going into a slump mid-season and showed his true colors. His interview tonight with Kennedy was classic Ramon--upbeat and positive to the last. You will forever be a Shocker--just as you said tonight.

Graham Hatch--no one gave more effort night in and night out than Graham. He was a new player this season after a disappointing Freshman season. He's very much a team player in every sense of the word.

AE--getting slowly better despite the turf toe. He should be more of a presence next season.

Toure--I told my wife when we inbounded the ball with 10 or whatever seconds left that there was only one player I thought needed the ball, and it was obvious the team thought so too--one cool customer! He's going to be great.

Kyles--Getting better. Only scratching the surface of his potential. 3 more years too!

Garrett--probably the least improved, at least noticeably, but I feel just as confident today as I did at the beginning of the season that he WILL be a really good player with time and conditioning.

Clevin--not the greatest point guard but a hard worker--I like his quiet demeanor.

Reggie--not my favorite player right now, but I think in time could develop into a pretty good backup shooting guard. To be a good point guard he'll need to stop dribbling and pass more, but hopefully with experience and time he'll get better too.

Not bad overall. A pretty good season--big improvement over last year, and I am proud of their grit downt the stretch. Yep, we got beat by a last second shot, but we won a couple that way this year, so we're on our way toward evening that out (still got some withdrawls to make from the luck bank in my opinion).

It's sad to see the season come to an end, but we stepped forward this season as opposed to backward.

GO SHOX!
:poster_ramon: FOREVER A SHOCKER!

:goshocks: :wsu_posters: :posterwu: :posterwsu: :yahoo:

[shockar25]

I forgot AJ... we've seen flashes of good play and toward the end of the season he was starting to get into a groove. If he keeps the charges in check, he'll be a real contributor from the get-go next year.

Anyone else??? I think that covers it.

[ISASO]

I echo the above sentiments.

For this team to get this close to playing in the same game as our 2006 Sweet Sixteen team...simply unbelieveable. Consider the collective experience on this team compared to that 2006 team. Night and Day.

It would be so easy to save the $1300 it costs to buy season tickets for my young family, but progress like this will keep me coming back for more.

Screw the new minivan...vehicles are a bad investment.

GIVE ME SHOCKER BASKETBALL!

[kcshocker11]

Its hard to deny how far this team has come, and the good part is we have only begun the journey. ESPN highlights were spectacular tonight. How could you not be proud and pleased with these young men and OUR COACH. Thanks Shockers!

:posterwsu: 8) :good: :yes: :good:

[ShockerFever]

We have more heart than sCUm has ever had in their pathetic 1 and done history.

I can't wait til next year.

:posterwsu:

[forevershockerfan]

Whew---what a game!!! What a comeback after being 22 down. Here is one way to look at the game. About the first 25 minutes of the game pointed to our growing pains and hard times since Vegas. The last 15 minutes or so, especially when we regained the lead for about 8-9 seconds, displayed a bright tomorrow. Another BIG shot by Toure'. When his 3 went in, it was a wake-up call to the Valley for future reference.

We took the co-champions of the Valley to the ropes with our young guns after being down about 22 and a chance to just roll over and quit. Instead, we fought back, fought hard, and showed some true grit. Yes, that last inbounds play that seemed to last 3-4 seconds in duration may have finished us for this Season. However, next Season----the Valley was served notice tonight that we are moving forward, making progress, and next year---WATCH OUT VALLEY because the Shocks are coming to get ya!!!

[Steeleshocker]

Getting ready

My thoughts on the end of the season:

I was talking about this with my father, and I think it would be better if we don't get into a post season tournament. We lose a huge key cog in Clemente for next year, but everyone else is back.

If this was our last game, it leaves the bitter taste of a stolen victory in their mouths at the hand of their bitterest of enemys (I want to stay in the MVC purely for the satisfaction of beating CU to a pulp every time we hit the hardwood). WSU loves playing Creighton. We hate them, they hate us, and I have a feeling in five years this one could be as bitter as our Tulsa rivalry.

We've got 8 months to chew on that feeling. Let the chip get bigger and bigger. And I think if the players embrace what happened, instead of trying to ignore it, they are going to work harder in the weight room, harder on their free throws, harder on their rebouding, etc. It might be the spark that turns us from the hot team in the Valley into the dominating team. This moment can be the catalyst that propels WSU to the top of the Valley.

I mean, we didn't exactly play poorly up to the loss. In the last 6 minutes we executed perfectly. We played the finish about as good as you can and still come up short. Against Vandy, we had a breakdown that sealed our doom. Our boys won't be short on confidence, because they can see they are only a microcosm away from being at the top. They beat the top 3 teams in the Valley at home. They can almost taste it, and having that "almost" makes you want it that much more.

I look for Durley to be the new Ramon. The intensity and passion he had last night screams it. I remember in the offseason last year some people talking about he was being more assertive and vocal as a leader alongside Ramon, and I hope he continues to do that.

And for all the flak that some people give Toure for not running off a few seconds with each of his game-winners, I love that he does that. Why wait, and put more pressure on yourself, and give the defense time to react. Catch the ball in rhythm, shoot the ball.

I want to see Clevin work harder than ever this summer on his speed and quickness (as well as maintaining his shot). I saw how hard he's been working on defense lately (huffing and puffing). If he can continue to bring that, and add a little speed, he's our man.

I want to see Hatch continue to be a little more assertive. He's become a great hustle man, but I think he could work a little on his ballhandling. He makes good strong cuts to the basket, but a few times doesn't protect the ball all that well. Add that in with gaining more confidence in his shot, and HE could be the next Sixth Man of the Year

I want to see AJ work on his free throws, his shot seems to always be a little strong, not soft enough to enjoy the bounce of the rim. If he misses, it seems to be hard off the back. And keep working on the mid-range jumper, I love that part of his game.

Chamberlain has made great strides in the last few games. His shot may not quite be there right now, but he's running the offense better, and is doing a better job of penetrating. It's not as good as we'll need him to be next year, but if he keeps improving on this, he will be a great asset.

Aaron Ellis, what can I say. I saw exactly what I wanted out of the game last night. Some great rebounds, and he even had an AC style move off of one of them for a little sky hook. If he can make this his game, he can't be stopped. I don't need him to be a big bruising body. Rebound, play defense strong, and get to the rim with your length. He also needs to slow down a bit. He makes his bad passes and takes his bad shots when he is rushing things. One of those was after a great offensive rebound. He looked around, didn't see anyone, and instead of trying to dribble it out, he threw it into a tough spot and out of bounds. He just needs to slow down a bit.

Stutz, get stronger, that's it. He gave us some good defensive minutes last night. And even seemed to be posting up pretty well (although we never seemed to get him the ball). Get stronger and stronger with the ball and he will be a great sub for Durley off the bench. Also, take a cue from Durley and stop hunting the three pointer.

David Kyles. I just love this guy, he has such great elevation, and a smooth looking shot. I think he could end up being a better shooter than Toure after 4 years (well, if they don't adjust Toure's shot to get more arc over the break). Keep playing tough defense, get stronger, work hard. Your minutes are coming, but you've got to go earn them.

In summary. Wear this defeat. Think about it. Never let it happen again. And when the time comes next season, make CU (and every opponent) wish they never have to play you again. We showed toughness and heart this season, and fell a little short. But it always seems that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. I would make it a routine to watch the CU game on a weekly basis. Don't ever forget about it. Never.

[Rosewood]

I am pretty sure that anyone who says Toure' should take an extra second or two is saying it tongue in cheek.

[forevershockerfan]

Hannah---With a year of seasoning under his belt, look for even a better Season next year. # 3 can stroke the 3. A Senior leader next year.

Toure'---Silky smoooooooth with quite a wing-span which results in his fair share of steals. Next Season, look for consistent road games from #23--"hip hip Toure' .

Chamberlain---I like his shot and I hope he really works hard on his ball handling. 11 + 11 =#22. Keep improving that sweet shot!!!!!!!

Kyles---Now here is a young man that will only get better. What an athlete. His defense did improve and I think in time, he could be a defensive stopper.

AJ--He will be one of our two Seniors. The Hawk had his moments and will be pressed by Hatch and Coy for playing time. Even so, I like him in our rotation and hope he has a solid Senior year and provides leadership.

Hatch---Last night again showed great effort and maybe his best game as a Shock. I like how he fights in there and I KNOW he can get that consistent practice shot falling in games more so next Season.

JT---Now here is our most improved player this year on both sides of the court in my opinion. He has untapped potential and needs to learn to stay out of foul trouble. If he learns to play more consistently game in and game out---watch out.

Stutz---I really hope Garrett gets stronger, improves his grip on the ball where opponets can't steal the ball from him as easily. A "Big Man's Camp" could be just "the ticket" for this class-act player. Before GS graduates, I think he will be a very solid player for us.

Ellis--He suffered through nagging injuries all Season. A new and improved and healthy AE next Season will keep him in our rotating mix and we won't skip a beat when he plays.

Gabe Blair---I was told "Gabe is a difference maker." We will soon find out. I like his size and NBA type body. We really need to keep improving inside and this player seems to fill that need.

Johnny Coy---His highlight film had me at hello. However, we all know about highlight films. Even so, Arizona State signed him and they have a tough squad and did not want him to leave.

Kenny M.---This player intriques me and has hops that reach up to the top of the square. Sounds like he can D it up and needs to improve his outside shot. However, count it impossible to keep him out of our rotation. Kenny will be a MAN--igault and we will dig it.

Hamilton---A few of you have seen him play and give good reports. I have the upmost confidence in the recruiting of HCGM and this player sounds like a player we can really use. Coach has made mention that he likes to redshirt certain Frosh. but we have not had that opportunity. This may be the start of utilizing this process for the good of our Program with a player that could really benefit from it and have 4 years that will result in more playing time.

Reply # 11

[newshock1234]

What hurts you only makes you stronger. I have had SIU, Bradley, UNI, and Ill State fans tell me we got complety jobbed. CU may have won the game last night, but they havent won the war.This is one of the most improved teams i have seen in long time from the begining of the season til the end. My bold predictions for next year is we will win the Valley and Durely and Murry are all valley, count on it!
GO SHOX!!!