2006 Wichita State Shockers Basketball Preview

2006 Wichita State Shockers Basketball Predictions

Wichita State (26- 9 overall and 14- 4 in MVC) earned the best record in their league and a NCAA berth, which led them into the regional semifinals. It was there that this upstart team lost to another upstart—George Mason 63- 55. The Shockers have a fine backcourt and a questionable frontcourt. If they can find a replacement for MVC Player of the Year center Paul Miller (13.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG), this club will be dominant.

The backcourt has solid experience with junior guards Matt Braeuer (5.4 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.7 APG) and Sean Ogirri (12.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.8 APG) returning. Braeuer has unsurpassed energy, while Ogirri looks like an effective crunch time player. Guard Karon Bradley (8.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.6 APG) was an essential force off the bench last year.

The first question is can sophomore Ryan Bradley (0.7 PPG, 0.2 RPG, 0.1 APG), the team’s only center, fill Miller’s shoes? That’s doubtful. Instead, look for senior forward Kyle Wilson (11.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.5 APG), who has a fine outside shot and the bulk to crash inside, to take up the slack. Phillip Thomasson, a transfer from Colorado State, and freshman Chris Brown, who averaged 23 PPG as a high school senior, will see important minutes at forward.

Coach Mark Turgeon (111- 76 in 6 years) stresses strong fundamentals and the need to play 40 minutes of basketball. This disciplined strategy allows the team to exploit their tenacious rebounding and pinpoint assist skills. Turgeon made some fine recruiting moves, including landing talented freshman guard Gal Mekel, the captain of Israel’s national 18 and under team. He’ll be eligible in 2007- 06.

The post position is problematic. Who, if anyone, will step-up? This unknown puts Wichita State’s hopes of going deep into the play-offs at risk. The NCAA Tournament looks almost certain, but getting past round one of the madness does not.

If you want more info on the 2006 Wichita State Shockers College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check view other mid major previews from MadduxSports.com of universities like the Winthrop Eagles and Xavier Musketeers.