Wichita State Shockers
Head Coach: Gregg Marshall (8th season)
Record: 28-4, 17-1 Missouri Valley
Season summary The Shockers are a No. 7 seed, but the BPI—which has Wichita State pegged as a No. 4 seed—indicates that they are not to be trifled with. The Shockers' flaw—a weak inside presence—is the same as the shortcoming of their Round of 64 opponent, Indiana, and Gregg Marshall's team plays fantastic perimeter defense. Wichita State plays at a great tempo, commits the third fewest turnovers in the country at just 9.4 giveaways per game and features terrific guards in Fred VanVleet, Ron Baker and Tekele Cotton—who all have Final Four experience. A potential Round of 32 date with Kansas—a top-tier program that fans of the mid-major Shockers have been waiting to face—could add plenty of intrigue to Wichita State's postseason run. The Shockers lost to Utah by one in overtime early in the season, but came back to split with Northern Iowa.
How they make a run: VanVleet and company continue to play outstanding basketball and help Wichita State pull off some "shocking" upsets.
How it falters: The Shockers' postseason hopes could come to an end if Indiana makes its 3-pointers or any opponent exposes the team’s weak frontcourt.
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