Wichita State Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Shockers

By Brian Rauf | Oct 2, 2018

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY - FEBRUARY 18: Gregg Marshall the head coach of the Witchita State Shockers gives instructions to his team during the 76-72 win over the Cincinnati Bearcats at BB&T Arena on February 18, 2018 in Highland Heights, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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WICHITA, KS – MARCH 04: Markis McDuffie #32 of the Wichita State Shockers drives to the basket against Jacob Evans #1 of the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half on March 4, 2018 at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

Wichita State is losing a majority of the core that won 25 games a season ago. Will the Shockers extend their NCAA Tournament streak despite the turnover?

The Wichita State Shockers are going to look like a vastly different team in 2018-19 – and have vastly different expectations.

Last year, head coach Gregg Marshall’s squad returned their top 10 players and were a consensus top 10 team in the preseason. This year, the Shockers are tasked with replacing nine scholarship players and nearly 90 percent of their total minutes.

Wichita State has made the NCAA Tournament seven consecutive seasons under Marshall’s leadership, and some think that streak is in jeopardy with such an inexperienced team. After all, they’re relying on six freshmen and three transfers to find ways to contribute.

For a program that’s used to having experienced players to rely on, this season is going to be a little different. Senior leader Markis McDuffie expressed as much to reporters in March.

"“It’s going to be so weird, man, without those guys. That’s a lot of people gone. And all of them were in our rotation doing what they got to do. It’s going to be a completely new environment with brand new people coming in. It’s going to be weird, man.”"

Of course, expectations within the program haven’t changed. They expect to be among the best teams in the American and return to the Big Dance.

Will they be able to do that? Here’s a complete look at the Shockers for the coming season, including their projected lineup and a breakdown of their non-conference schedule.