Walking into Charles Koch , the memories of the past year have flooded my mind. The tremble of the ground as the fans, student section in particular, the sound of yelling fans, and the emotions of great wins and devastating loses. I walk in for the Dunk competition and see some fresh meat of Cleanthony Early and Nick Wiggins. Cleanthony had some excellent dunks and won the competition, but of the night this was of little importance. Looking at the scoreboard, I love the update of the live tweets getting shown, the new music being played by the "Shocker Sound", and the #watchusreturn video ignites the gas inside of me that has been anticipating WSU men's basketball since the saddening loss to VCU.
Watching the scrimmage, two new players really stand out. Cleanthony is hungry for the ball on defense, but has a difficult time really attacking it like he should. His vision of the ball was impressive and I am excited to see him play. The most impressive part of him was his versatility. His 2 pointers are reminiscant of Toure, but his threes are smooth and remind me of Hannah. This player has a lot of skill and I hope he shows it in every game this year.
My other standout player is Derail Green. He did a decent job on defense, but his offense was incredible. He moves the ball well and hits his shots. He is an excellent forward and will be more likely to be replacing Toure. Right now, the team has numerous injuries and so some of the new talent is still unknown. I am hoping that Demetric Williams has improved and will be a valuable leader this year. I was excited to see Fred Van Vleet play, but he was out with an injury as well. Baker and White looked strong and seems as though Baker will be a strong forward as he gets great penetration into the lane and can handle the ball with hands all over it. Orukpe looked strong, but needs to realize that he can continuously go up and block balls, really only showing this strength once or twice during the scrimmage.
Over all, I am excited for this year and hope that our two games against VCU are matches that we dominate to repay them for the past two years. More importantly, I am loving the seniors we have and hope that Hall can stay out foul trouble and rebounds a ton this year. This year is going to be a good year and we are a fast, fast learning, and young team. I will #watchyoureturn and as always Go Shox!
Monday, October 29, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Shockers dealt better hand
Stunned is the best word to describe the first 2 minutes. The Aces came out and scored 6 points while keeping the Shockers scoreless. Stutz came out tonight feeling better and looking to make up for the game he missed. He was able to be vital in the game. Stutz posted up and scored while drawing the foul. He then sunk his free throw, and WSU's execution was flawless. Wichita State got the ball to Stutz, who ended up with 15 points in the first half. The team worked hard and took smart shots. With help from Evansville, the Shockers got to the free throw line and made a majority of their shots. WSU also found the open man and shot only smart three pointers. At the half, the Shockers were 4-6 from beyond the arc, had 14 rebounds, stole the ball twice, and was 19 for 25 field goals. The most impressive stat from WSU was the field goal percentage. Wichita State shot 73.1%. The Aces were not as lucky shooting 15 for 31, 1 for 4 from thr51ee point range, had 11 rebounds, and four steals. Evansville didn't have a bad shooting percentage making 48.4%. However, the Shockers lead at the half 51-34.
The second half was also well executed. WSU made shots early and got up by as much as 24 points. The half was dominated by the Shocker defense. They were contesting every shot put up by Evansville and getting fouled by the Aces' players. Wichita State got to the line and were able to make a majority of their free throws. However, WSU was unable to make their regular shots fall in this half. Evansville tried to take out their "hidden ace" and got within 8 points. The Aces were able to make huge three pointers, and got luckily fouled from beyond the arc by Kyles and Raglin. Evansville was able to capitalize and make all three, on both attempts, of their free throws. The last 5 minutes consisted of 2 Evansville players fouling out, Shockers making free throws, and the Aces shooting threes and missing. The Shockers were dealt a royal flush with: Stutz(23 points), Kyles(12 points), Hall(12 points), Murry(14 points), and Williams(with 10 assists). While Evansville's only had two aces: Colt Ryan (17 points) and Kenny Harris (19 points). The Shockers won the game and showed true maturity as a team. The Shockers won 86-74.
To keep everyone in the loop, the Shockers remained tied with Creighton in the Valley at 9-1, while there are four teams tied for 3rd at 5-5. The Shockers will play on the road Saturday in Iowa. This will be WSU's first time playing Drake this season. Congratulations Gregg Marshall on your 100th win and being the second fastest coach taking only 158 games. Go Shox!
The second half was also well executed. WSU made shots early and got up by as much as 24 points. The half was dominated by the Shocker defense. They were contesting every shot put up by Evansville and getting fouled by the Aces' players. Wichita State got to the line and were able to make a majority of their free throws. However, WSU was unable to make their regular shots fall in this half. Evansville tried to take out their "hidden ace" and got within 8 points. The Aces were able to make huge three pointers, and got luckily fouled from beyond the arc by Kyles and Raglin. Evansville was able to capitalize and make all three, on both attempts, of their free throws. The last 5 minutes consisted of 2 Evansville players fouling out, Shockers making free throws, and the Aces shooting threes and missing. The Shockers were dealt a royal flush with: Stutz(23 points), Kyles(12 points), Hall(12 points), Murry(14 points), and Williams(with 10 assists). While Evansville's only had two aces: Colt Ryan (17 points) and Kenny Harris (19 points). The Shockers won the game and showed true maturity as a team. The Shockers won 86-74.
To keep everyone in the loop, the Shockers remained tied with Creighton in the Valley at 9-1, while there are four teams tied for 3rd at 5-5. The Shockers will play on the road Saturday in Iowa. This will be WSU's first time playing Drake this season. Congratulations Gregg Marshall on your 100th win and being the second fastest coach taking only 158 games. Go Shox!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Shockers slaughter Salukis
The crowd was amazed to see SIU score first. The Shockers took an additional minute and a half to score 2 and tie the game. At the 15:14 minute mark, the teams were playing well defensively and unable to make shots fall. The game was again tied, but now at 4 points a piece. WSU would then go on a 16-0 run, making the score 20-4. Salukis had no chance and no answer for the Shockers. The points were spread among Orukpe, White, Ragland, Kyles, Anachreon, and Williams. The person who really wasn't a threat against SIU was Carl Hall. He committed two fouls in the first 2 minutes of the game. The Shockers were able to rebound and pick SIU's pocket enough to get second chance baskets. The Salukis really shot themselves in the paw by not being able to make their free throws. At the half, WSU led 39-16. Wichita State made 16 of 34 field goals and were 2 for 10 in three pointers. The only place that Wichita State was out-performed was rebounds: they had 17, SIU had 20. SIU was 7 for 22 in field goals and 1 for 5 beyond the arc.
The second half was more of the same. The Shockers had the game down and kept the Salukis under 50 points. The number of points scored by SIU was made by the Shocker's bench alone. The real story was found in the time played by the younger players on the team. White played a majority of the game and Orukpe built confidence, leading the Shockers with 9 rebounds, scoring 6 points, and blocking 4 shots. WSU player of the game was a player, a freshmen, from the bench. Jake White showed up and scored 10 points and 3 rebounds. The crowd got to see Randall Vautravers, Evan Wessel, James Anacreon, Jake White, and Tekele Cotton from the bench. The one person I was surprised to not see was Ron Baker. He had played in previous games, but was left out of the SIU game. The Shockers were able to double the score of SIU, outscoring them by 43 points. The final score for the game was 85-42.
The second half was more of the same. The Shockers had the game down and kept the Salukis under 50 points. The number of points scored by SIU was made by the Shocker's bench alone. The real story was found in the time played by the younger players on the team. White played a majority of the game and Orukpe built confidence, leading the Shockers with 9 rebounds, scoring 6 points, and blocking 4 shots. WSU player of the game was a player, a freshmen, from the bench. Jake White showed up and scored 10 points and 3 rebounds. The crowd got to see Randall Vautravers, Evan Wessel, James Anacreon, Jake White, and Tekele Cotton from the bench. The one person I was surprised to not see was Ron Baker. He had played in previous games, but was left out of the SIU game. The Shockers were able to double the score of SIU, outscoring them by 43 points. The final score for the game was 85-42.
Just some stats for the year
I know just reading my thoughts on the game and recaps can be boring. So I figured I should throw some stats your way. Two years ago, the Shockers had a similar start, going 15-3. WSU has won 100% of the time after making ten or more 3 pointers. Wichita State has also been 100% when holding an opponent 38.1% field goal percentage and under. The Shockers win 83% of the time when forcing the other team to have 11 or more turnovers. When Ben Smith makes 3 or more three pointers, the Shockers win 83% of the time. WSU wins 85% of the time when Joe Ragland plays 31 or more minutes and 75% of the time when Carl Hall has 5 or more rebounds.
In the Indiana game, Wichita State set a season high for free throws made (23). The Shockers then made 20 free throws against UNI. Toure Murry has led the team in scoring only 5 out of 19 games this season. Garrett Stutz has led the team in rebounding 11 out of 19 games this season. Finally, Stutz recorded his 9th double digit rebounding game versus Indiana State. Unfortunately, the Shockers look like they will not have Stutz at home versus SIU. He seemed to be struggling with his back in the second half of the game versus UNI. While he will be missed, I am excited to see the less experienced Orukpe, and maybe even White, taking his place as the "big man."
In the Indiana game, Wichita State set a season high for free throws made (23). The Shockers then made 20 free throws against UNI. Toure Murry has led the team in scoring only 5 out of 19 games this season. Garrett Stutz has led the team in rebounding 11 out of 19 games this season. Finally, Stutz recorded his 9th double digit rebounding game versus Indiana State. Unfortunately, the Shockers look like they will not have Stutz at home versus SIU. He seemed to be struggling with his back in the second half of the game versus UNI. While he will be missed, I am excited to see the less experienced Orukpe, and maybe even White, taking his place as the "big man."
Murry Declaws Panthers
UNI showed up tonight, needing a win. After giving Bradley their first win of the season, the Panthers were clawing for blood and fighting fiercely. But the Shockers were ready for this fight. WSU was able to keep the lead for the first three minutes, and the team was shockedwhen the lead changed. The Shockers then went on a run, taking a 9 point lead with 11 minutes left to play in the first. At this point in the game, WSU started forcing threes and missing, while UNI was making threes and hitting easy jumpers. With 5 minutes left to play, the Panthers retook the lead. The teams became tied with 2 minutes left to play, but it was a last minute shot by Murry that gave the Shockers the lead at the half. The Shockers led 32-30. Stutz, at the half, had 11 points and five rebounds, leading WSU in points.
The Panthers, however, came out hot in the second half. They hit three pointers and led by as much as 8. It took the Shockers 18 minutes to get the score to a tie. Little did the Panthers know, they would not gain the lead back with 1:21 left to play.
The Shockers had luck on their side. UNI was unable to make its free throws while the Shockers were. The second half was led by Garrett Stutz and Toure Murry. They showed the ability to get the ball in the paint and force the fouls to get to the line. The stunner was Toure Murry's skilled (or lucky) shot that gave the Shockers with a 3 point lead with 12 seconds left. With 1 second left on the clock, Marc Sonnen put up a three pointer that was off the "Marc," clenching the win for Wichita State. Toure's "no look hook" made it 71-68. Toure had 24 points, with 17 points coming in the second half. This keeps the Shockers tied for first with Creighton in the Missouri Valley. With this win, WSU remains tied with three teams who are undefeated on the road.
The Panthers, however, came out hot in the second half. They hit three pointers and led by as much as 8. It took the Shockers 18 minutes to get the score to a tie. Little did the Panthers know, they would not gain the lead back with 1:21 left to play.
The Shockers had luck on their side. UNI was unable to make its free throws while the Shockers were. The second half was led by Garrett Stutz and Toure Murry. They showed the ability to get the ball in the paint and force the fouls to get to the line. The stunner was Toure Murry's skilled (or lucky) shot that gave the Shockers with a 3 point lead with 12 seconds left. With 1 second left on the clock, Marc Sonnen put up a three pointer that was off the "Marc," clenching the win for Wichita State. Toure's "no look hook" made it 71-68. Toure had 24 points, with 17 points coming in the second half. This keeps the Shockers tied for first with Creighton in the Missouri Valley. With this win, WSU remains tied with three teams who are undefeated on the road.
Shockers Chop down the Sycamores
The Shockers were stifled early by the Sycamore's Odum, who was able to steal the ball and assist his teammates for open shots. WSU was unable to hit their shots early, but they chipped away the bark of the Sycamores with a three here and there. The Shockers fought back and tied the game up at the 10 minute mark in the first half. The Shockers were able to pick open the defense with excellent perimeter shooting and strong boards. With help from the Sycamores, the WSU had enough second chance shots to gain a double digit lead. The defensive stands also kept the Sycamores from having open shots. At the half, the Shockers were up 36-26. However, the stats are painful for Wichita State's record. WSU only shot 39%, was 6 for 12 from 3 point range, and had 6 turnovers. Indiana State shot 33%, was 3 for 8 from 3 point range, and had 5 turnovers.
Unfortunately for the Sycamores, their luck ended here. Every time Indiana State tried to get back into the game, a big Shocker three, free throw, or a second chance gave Wichita State the edge. The Shockers held off the Sycamores who were only able to get within 2 points the second half. Garrett Stutz was named player of the game. The Shockers executed well by getting the ball to Stutz, and this allowed the Sycamore defense no time to rest. WSU won 75-65.
Unfortunately for the Sycamores, their luck ended here. Every time Indiana State tried to get back into the game, a big Shocker three, free throw, or a second chance gave Wichita State the edge. The Shockers held off the Sycamores who were only able to get within 2 points the second half. Garrett Stutz was named player of the game. The Shockers executed well by getting the ball to Stutz, and this allowed the Sycamore defense no time to rest. WSU won 75-65.
Shockers Stop Bradley
Bradley had been showing real promise in the Missouri Valley Conference, losing by 10 or less in all the games they played. Being only defeated in the MVC, the Braves were looking for their first win. Tonight, however, they had no chance. The Shockers put up 8 unanswered points until a foul by Williams allowed Bradley to get back in the game. Bradley went on 6-2 run, but with a foul from the Braves' Thompson, the Shockers put up 2 free throws and never looked back. The Shockers played excellent defense going up 18-8. The Braves tried to fight back, but with WSU's strong defense and Braves' inability to make their shots, WSU would not be stopped. Wichita State led by 15 at the half, 39-24. Stutz was taken out of the game to rest. Stutz helped in this half by putting up 10 points in the half with 6 rebounds and two fouls. Carl was in good form, getting after the ball and putting up 6 points. Kyles' awesome dunk, lay up, and 3 pointer all contributed to the lead. Wichita State was 13 for 22 in their field goals, shooting 59.1%, 3 for 7 from 3 point range, 18 rebounds, and 3 steals. Bradley was 10-28 in their field goals, shooting 35.7%, 1 for 5 from 3 point range, 11 rebounds, and 5 steals.
The second half was more of the Stutz show. Bradley was unable to stop the big men down low and with our perimeter shooters making shots, the Braves' defense was unable to get a break. Stutz added 6 more points and 5 rebounds to become the Shockers' players of the game. The weapons that come from Wichita State's bench cause many teams to fear them. It surprises me that for the depth in WSU's bench, the shooters, and defense that the team has easily gained entry into the "Big Dance." (The Shockers are currently considered an "on the bubble" team for the NCAA tournament.) The Shockers ended up being the only team to have Bradley's number, defeating the Braves 78-41.
The second half was more of the Stutz show. Bradley was unable to stop the big men down low and with our perimeter shooters making shots, the Braves' defense was unable to get a break. Stutz added 6 more points and 5 rebounds to become the Shockers' players of the game. The weapons that come from Wichita State's bench cause many teams to fear them. It surprises me that for the depth in WSU's bench, the shooters, and defense that the team has easily gained entry into the "Big Dance." (The Shockers are currently considered an "on the bubble" team for the NCAA tournament.) The Shockers ended up being the only team to have Bradley's number, defeating the Braves 78-41.
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