Wichita State Basketball: Where do the Shockers go from here?

The Wichita State basketball team had Final Four ambitions. However, they crashed and burned in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

As the Wichita State Shockers learned the hard way, it’s nicknamed “March Madness” for a reason. On Friday afternoon, Wichita State’s aspirations of a deep Final Four run crumbled into dust as the Marshall Thundering Herd pulled off the first round upset, 81-75.

By the end of the day, it was old news thanks to UMBC’s historic upset of the Virginia Cavaliers. Still, the hurt won’t dull for the Shockers anytime soon. The team was expected to cap off a whirlwind year with a run to the Sweet Sixteen, at the least – that’s what the No. 4 seed dictates, after all.

“We underachieved from the head to the bottom,” Rashard Kelly told The Wichita Eagle after the game. The road to get back to this point next year and move forward is challenging. Wichita State is set to graduate six seniors, including Kelly, Shaquille Morris, and Conner Frankamp. Additionally, Landry Shamet could declare for the NBA Draft.

Assuming Shamet sticks around, the Shockers will still have a core in place that could maintain success next year. Despite his struggles on Friday, nobody questions the star potential of Shamet – he’ll be one of the top players in the country.

Austin Reaves didn’t score a point in Friday’s loss, but the rising junior came on during the second half of the year and could be a strong scorer. The team can also count on a healthier season from rising senior Markis McDuffie.

According to 247 Sports, the Shockers have the No. 36 recruiting class for next season, tops in the AAC. Jamie Echenique is one of the top JUCO centers in the country while point guard Alex Lomax and center Morris Udeze should compete for immediate playing time.

Next: UMBC's historic upset dissected

It’s hard to see now, but the Wichita State Shockers will be back here this time next year. First, the pain must subside.