2017 Maui Jim Maui Invitational breakdown

Wichita State: McDuffie’s presence will make difference in March

A team of six seniors, an athletic junior and talented redshirt sophomore, the Wichita State Shockers’ presence among college basketball’s best to begin the season came without a ‘shock.’

And while the Maui Invitational championship loss, specifically the manner in which it transpired, will surprise many, Gregg Marshall’s group was playing a man down.

2017 1st Team Missouri Valley Conference forward Markis McDuffie has missed the first five games due to a stress fracture in his left foot. He is currently expected to miss the entirety of nonconference play.

Against Notre Dame, Wichita State needed the athleticism and rebounding skill of the 6’8″ New Jersey native. Instead, the Shockers, a team who outrebounded opponents by an average margin of 17.5 rebounds per game entering Wednesday, were unable to gain their usual edge in the battle of the boards (32-29 in favor).

Yet, early season tournaments never end a team’s season. Conference and postseason tournaments do.

As McDuffie’s production in the regular season is well-documented, it has been known to wane in the NCAA Tournament; He is averaging 7.8 points and 4.6 rebounds in five contests. Aside from the fact, McDuffie’s maturity and high-skill level cement his place as a valued Wichita State weapon, alongside Landry Shamet, Shaq Morris, and Zach Brown, in March.

In terms of their latest defeat, the newcomer of the American Athletic Conference, surely, prefers to lose in November rather than March. And with a HEALTHY McDuffie, sending home the Shockers will be harder than what Notre Dame experienced in Maui.