The 2014-15 season was another successful one for Wichita State, with the Shockers reaching their fourth straight tourney while racking up 30 wins and continuing their dominance of the Missouri Valley, but the weeks that followed their Sweet Sixteen loss to Notre Dame were also very exciting. Not only did arguably the hottest head coaching candidate in the game, Gregg Marshall, spurn Alabama (and likely other programs), juniors Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker elected for a final season in Wichita.
They lost running mates Darius Baker and Tekele Cotton, two of the most underrated player in the country, but gained Cleveland State transfer Anton Grady and a slew of big-time recruits, particularly guard Landry Shamet and forward Markis McDuffie, two Top 150 players who should make an immediate impact.
The program has reached the point where another MVC title and trip to the Sweet 16 isn’t enough. They’ll be shooting for a national title in 2016 and while a lot of things must fall in place before then, look out for the Shockers come March…again.
[divider]
Snapshot
BR-9 Wichita State
Head Coach: Gregg Marshall
2014-15 Finish: 30-5 (Lost to Notre Dame in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament)
2014-15 Conference Finish: 17-1 (First Place in the Missouri Valley Conference)
Projected 2015-16 Conference Finish: First
Key Returners
*G/F – Ron Baker – Senior
*G – Fred VanVleet – Senior
*G/F – Evan Wessel – Senior
F – Rashard Kelly – Sophomore
F – Shaquille Morris – Sophomore
(*Returning Starter)
[divider]
Spotlight
ANTON GRADY
Cleveland State transfer Anton Grady is one of numerous intriguing newcomers for the Shockers. The 6-foot-8, 235-pound senior is eligible immediately and might find himself playing big minutes in November, especially with the loss of Darius Carter and need for a versatile big man that can hit from the outside but also lay down the hammer inside the paint.