Wichita State Shockers: A March Madness Final Four sleeper team
The Wichita State Shockers were slow out of the gate, but they are now healthy and clicking on all cylinders. If you’re looking for a Final Four sleeper team for your bracket, they’re your team.
The Wichita State Shockers seemed to have lost their way, after back to back conference losses in late January — including a home loss to SMU. The Shox followed that up with a road loss at Temple, and any hopes of an American Conference regular crown were all but gone.
A reason for their woes was a combination of injuries and adjusting to a new league, after leaving the Missouri Valley Conference following last season. Initially, it appeared to be the wrong move, but the Shockers are now back in business.
Coach Greg Marshall rallied the troops, and the Shockers no boast a six-game winning — including wins in eight of their last nine AAC contests. A reason for the Shockers change of fate is the presence of guard Austin Reaves within the starting lineup, an unpopular decision at the time. Marshall sending his best pure shooter, in Conner Frankamp on the bench appeared to be a desperate move by Greg Marshall at the time.
However, Marshall shows that he’s worthy of his private jet and substantial paycheck, with the Shockers now 9-1 with Reaves in the starting lineup. Frankamp’s provided a much-needed spark off the bench, and the Shox seem to have found their swagger — where the Shockers ended the Bearcat’s 39-game home winning streak in the process.
Shaq Morris has made 17 three-point shots this season. He made a total of four during his first three years at Wichita State. Shooting 43.6% from long distance.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 27, 2018
Big-man Shaq Morris is taking his game to the next level, adding the outside shot to his repertoire. Opposing teams are at a loss for words because he’s virtually impossible to guard now.
With this “new look” the Wichita State team is now in a position to claim a share of the AAC regular season title, if they take care of business in their final two contests.
It’s no easy road, with a road game at Central Florida and rematch (at home) against the Cincinnati Bearcats. Assuming Wichita State takes care of business on the road, Sunday’s home game against the Bearcats looms large — not only for a regular season championship but seeding in the NCAA tournament.
If you look at their current resume, it’s impressive, most impressive. Wichita State is currently 12 in latest RPI rankings, including an SOS of 44 — with an overall record of 23-5 (13-3 AAC). The AAC is the third best conference in all of NCAA college basketball.
Quality wins (Top 100 RPI):
- Charleston: RPI: 73
- Marquette: RPI: 62
- @Baylor: RPI: 58
- South Dakota State: 52
- @Oklahoma State: 95
- Houston: 20
- Cincinnati: 11
- @SMU: 100
- UCF: 69
- Tulsa/@Tulsa: 76
- Temple: 41
- @Memphis: 96
Quality losses:
- Notre Dame: RPI: 67
- Oklahoma: RPI: 37
- @Houston: RPI: 20
- SMU: 100
- @Temple: 41
The Shockers are one of the best offensive teams in the nation, averaging over 84 points per game. Their defense is getting back on track and if they continue to “play angry,” look out come March Madness.
Although a one-seed in the NCAA tournament is out of the question, if the Shockers win out, they may find themselves on the two-line come Selection Sunday. With a deep roster, an elite head coach, and an experienced team, Wichita State may finally break through and return to the Final Four for the first time since 2013.
If you’re looking for a team everyone else is sleeping come March Madness while filling out your NCAA tournament bracket; you’d be wise to put the Wichita State Shockers into your Final Four. You can thank me later!