Wichita State's men's basketball team concluded their season with a narrow 83-79 loss to Tulsa in the NIT quarterfinals. Trailing by 24 points at one stage, the Shockers made a strong second-half comeback but fell short. Coach Paul Mills expressed optimism for the future, highlighting team growth and resilience throughout the season. After a challenging start, Wichita State improved significantly, finishing strong in both conference play and the NIT, showcasing a solid defense and rebounding strategy.

By the Numbers
  • The Shockers had a rebound margin of +7.3, the best in the American Conference.
  • They ranked 3rd in the American with a 15% turnover rate.
  • Wichita State ended the season ranked No. 73 in the Ken Pomeroy rankings, up from No. 136 last year.
Yes, But

Despite significant progress, critics may argue that the team's inability to consistently shoot from beyond the arc (shooting 1 of 10 from three-point range in the last game) could impede future success unless addressed.

State of Play
  • The Shockers finished the season with a record of 24-12, improving notably from previous seasons.
  • Wichita State advanced to the conference tournament title game for the first time.
What's Next

Expect Coach Mills to focus on recruiting strong players while continuing to develop the current roster, utilizing their recent success as a springboard for next season. The Shockers are anticipated to make a significant impact in future tournaments.

Bottom Line

Wichita State鈥檚 season, marked by resilience and improvement, sets a hopeful tone for the future. With continued recruitment and player development, the team aims to regain prominence in college basketball.