Any news on Orukpe?

[rrshock]

Think he has perfected the finger wave?

[Hotel Paper]

Think he has perfected the finger wave?

Mutumbo lite!

[SpanglerFan316]

Since graduating form Wichita Southeast in 69, I've seen all the ups and downs. I feel great about having GM as the coach and the talent he is now bringing in. After watching basketball as long as I have, I know it takes time for an inexperienced and young team to come together. Patience will be a big virtue for Shocker fans next year as it will probably be a bit of a roller coaster ride.

I think all (real) Shocker fans are patient. I'm more optimistic than some but I'll take whatever the team gives us and continue to be optimistic. If we finish ninth again, then we finish ninth; I don't think many of us are bandwagon fans.

[shockerfan]

I know the expectations are all over the spectrum here..and this is just typical "summer fan talk". We were pretty darn excited last year too at this time. I don't think anyone should have to worry about the patience of the fans though. Even while our season was going down the drain the fans still showed up in great numbers to cheer on a shocker team that was leaving all they had out there on the floor. I would expect the same this year regardless of the W/L record. No worries from me about patience or lack-there-of. The season will have it's up's and down's, but the excitement of what the future holds for Wichita State Men's basketball will still remain!

GO SHOX!!

[Bigshotmaker]

I believe they have the talent collectively to compete for 1st in the valley.The overall talent of JT,RC,AE,MG,and AJ will carry the load.EO and GS will play minor roles early on but will be counted on more as the season goes.That's my take at this point.I think they are better than 4th or 5th in the valley I stand by what I said.That's not double talk just recognizing the difference in evaluating team talent and individual talent.Not trying to stir up anybody.

[Aargh]

The way Marshall loves to sub for offense or defense late in the game - it's going to be nice to have Orukpe and Stutz available in those situations.

In some situations they might both be in late. Two 7' guys going for boards isn't a bad concept. One 7' guy for D and one for O at the same time isn't a bad concept.

They gotta be able to hit FT's for that luxury to be available.

[SubGod22]

Also, having two 7' guys in the paint makes scoring that much more interesting for the other team. Easy shots inside would be nearly impossible.

[forevershockerfan]

Mutumbo and Kevin McHale!!! Garrett Stutz can drain the free-throws late in the game. Also, it will be a nice luxury to have a 6'11" player that can drain the 3, with a 7'0 player EO ready along with RC to get the rebound in case he misses.

[KochHead22]

Does anyone know when there will be another pick up game?

[NYshocker]

I went to the pick up games Friday eve. and I'm pretty sure that is NOT the night to go. No AJ and RC, and GS apparently had to leave early. With all the new players I was having a hard time identifying some of the kids, but a long time Shockernetter and fan helped me out. I can tell you that EO is going to block or change a whole bunch of shots this year. His shot blocking, defense, rebounding and put back dunks were amazing. The rest of his offense needs some ahhhh work.

GS's offense as well as his shot from the 3 line was really smooth. From what I could see in the short amount of time I was there, CH is the starting point guard. However, we all know that it's WAY too early to make brash statements like that. The athleticism on this team is incredible (Kyles, Chamberlain, Murry, EO) and we all have heard about AJ. A final thought about our new Nigerian shot blocker - he runs like a gazelle but ran out of gas since his team retained the floor most of the time.

I got just a brief look, but I am stoked!

I couldn't find a "schedule" for the pick up games so its seems to be a hit-and-miss deal starting at about 4:00 p.m. (subject to change). I entered through the ticket office with no problem whatsoever but they do lock the doors at 5:00 p.m. (as the games play on).

Now having said all that, you can take my opinion and $1.50 and get a pretty good cup of coffee somewhere.

[newshock1234]

I got EO fever!
Does anybody else?

[lemuel777]

I'm a big Aaron Ellis fan. After seeing his improvement at the end of last season, he is going to be a huge impact player this season. Is he around for the summer? I would love to see AE and AJ play.

[NYshocker]

My bad - I forgot to mention that Aaron wasn't there either. I didn't hear whether he was in town or not. I guess I was too excited about the new guys but I too am a big fan of AE.

[Wuzee]

(Just an aside: You won't be seeing AJ Hawkins on the court anytime soon, as he has a walking cast on his right foot at present.)

[Snapshot9]

I would venture to say that Tue-Wed-Thurs are the best days to watch the pickup games, with more players being there on those days. I got there about 4:45 pm the other day, the doors were open.

I was told by a player that the coaches have been having the players work out a little longer than 6pm (from about 4:30 usually) in the weight room, so expect the pickup games to begin from about 6-6:15 pm.

I watched until about 7:30 pm last Thursday, and the games were still going when I left. I walked out with 'MVC Champ' and another Shocker fan that admittedly lurks on SN, but does not post often.