Busting Brackets
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Wichita State Basketball: What makes the Shockers a contender?

By Lukas Harkins

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 22: The Wichita State Shockers bench and fans celebrate a point during the first half of the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irishat the Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 22, 2017 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 22: The Wichita State Shockers bench and fans celebrate a point during the first half of the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irishat the Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 22, 2017 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /
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WICHITA, KS – DECEMBER 22: Kelly
WICHITA, KS – DECEMBER 22: Kelly /

Conference change makes the Shockers battle-tested

This offseason, Wichita State made the move from the Missouri Valley Conference to the American Athletic Conference. This transition will have a major impact on the program off the court but will help the team with their postseason dreams as well. While the MVC is a competitive league, the AAC takes things up a notch.

The American might not be a “Power 6” conference but it is certainly in that second tier of leagues nationwide. Unlike the MVC, who has not sent more two teams to the NCAA Tournament since the 2005-06 season, the AAC has the ability to send 2-5 teams to the Big Dance in any given season. The conference’s depth is remarkably better and will provide major tests throughout the year.

In our most recent projected bracket for this season, four teams (Wichita State, Cincinnati, SMU, Houston) from the conference made the field with one more sitting just on the outside-looking-in (UCF). The stiffer competition in the AAC will not only help the Shockers’ resume but will prepare them better for the Big Dance. Unlike other years where Wichita State only played three or four tournament-caliber games in their entire season, Wichita State will be tested much more this season.

Looking forward to the future, it is important to note that this is not just an above-average year from the AAC. With programs such as Cincinnati, SMU, and Connecticut in the conference, there is always high-level competition that will make Wichita State work in order to win games.

Next: Teams in the running for No. 1 seeds

For this season alone, the Shockers have put themselves in a great position to succeed. Wichita State can beat anyone in a variety of ways due to their deep roster and star power. In addition, they will be more accustomed to playing in close games this year, which will impact their play in the Big Dance. Watch out for the Shockers to make a deep run this season.