Wichita State Basketball: Breaking down the 2018 recruiting class

SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 16: The Wichita State Shockers mascot gestures in the second half against the Marshall Thundering Herd during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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PROVIDENCE, RI – MARCH 19: Head coach Gregg Marshall of the Wichita State Shockers reacts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

SG Dexter Dennis – Athens, TN

After discussing the two incoming JUCO transfers, now let’s jump into the five freshmen joining the team this year. Leading things off, Dexter Dennis is the “unknown” of this class. Although unranked by every major recruiting service, Dennis reportedly received scholarship offers from several other major conference programs, including Xavier and Georgia. A high-level player on both ends of the floor, Dennis looks like he could be an absolute steal for the Shockers.

Standing at 6-foot-5, he has plenty of size to play on the wing in college. According to Tyson Waterman, Dennis’ high school coach, the versatile guard averaged 23 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists per game as a junior. He is a three-level scorer who also has plenty of athleticism to be a capable defender at the college level. In addition, his strong build may allow him to play up in some small-ball lineups.

Although there is not a ton of film on his game, Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall seems ecstatic about Dennis joining the program (The Wichita Eagle):

"“We feel Dexter has the raw talent and athleticism to be, not only a fine collegiate player, but eventually a guy who could play at the highest professional level. He can shoot from deep, attack the rim, and has a ready-made Division I body walking in the door.”"

This is obviously tremendously high praise, especially from someone who already has placed a few guys in the NBA. These words alone should get Wichita State fans excited about Dennis seeing the floor next season. Even though he was unranked out of high school, Dennis received plenty of high major interest and for good reason. With his size and versatile playing style, Dennis should be an immediate-impact player for the Shockers.