BBALLBREAKDOWN v.2 | Page 31

could see that doubled coming up. Morris, the MVC Freshman of the Year, will be a key force inside given the perimeter preferences of the other returnees. While internal improvement from returnees will be important, two transfers may hold the key to how far the Shockers eventually go. Senior post presence Anton Grady was an All-Horizon league performer at Cleveland State, averaging 14.3 PPG and 7.9 RPG. Wichita State’s inside scoring has been lacking since the departure of Carl Hall following the 2012 Final Four, and their teams tend to be on the smaller side (277th in effective height, a measure of team average height weighed for minutes via KenPom.com), so Grady’s presence will be a welcome change. 2013-14’s 41 percent, as opposed to last season’s 31 percent. If he can do this and prove his game is betterrounded, a selection come NBA Draft time will be a possibility. Defensive-minded, guard Tekele Cotton and versatile forward Darius Carter will need to be replaced, and the Shockers will get support from both inside and outside the program. Returning starter Evan Wessel stands only 6’4’’, but isn’t afraid to mix it up with taller players. He doesn’t stand out in any one area, but affects the game with his hustle and determination. In addition to Wessel, three freshman forwards—Shaquille Morris, Zach Brown, and Rashard Kelly—all have tremendous potential and will need to show more of it this season. They all played between 20-33 percent of the team’s minutes last season and “...will be able to lean on arguably the best backcourt in the nation...” The other addition is Connor Frankamp from Kansas, a 3-point gunner who will become eligible in December and add firepower to the Shockers long distance arsenal. The 41st ranked recruit in the nation coming out of high school, Frankamp was having trouble finding playing time in Lawrence, but will have three years remaining in Wichita to become a core member of the team. Gregg Marshall is staying, at least for one more year. VanVleet and Baker are back for a final ride. Young players and transfers are ready to step up in Wichita. The pieces are in place. Only one question remains: will Wichita State’s recent success culminate in a midmajor breaking through for a National Title? Photo: Gary Rohman - USA TODAY Sports BBALLBREAKDOWN | 31