Providence at Wichita State: 2018-19 game preview, storylines to watch

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 16: Alpha Diallo #11 of the Providence Friars reacts after a play against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 19: Head coach Gregg Marshall of the Wichita State Shockers reacts. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Gregg Marshall vs. Ed Cooley

Two of the most underrated coaches in the entire nation, this battle of wits on the sideline will be extremely fun to watch. Over the past several years, both Ed Cooley (Providence) and Gregg Marshall (Wichita State) have been among the nation’s best in terms of exceeding expectations. And this may turn out to be the case once again this season.

In regards to Cooley, the Providence Friars have finished in the top-4 of the Big East in each of the past four seasons and deserve as much preseason love as possible. And even though they were picked to finish third in the Big East, the Friars received just two preseason AP votes (T-5th in Big East). This is not nearly enough national attention considering how successful this program has been in the past.

Marshall, on the other hand, is facing even lower expectations. After losing almost the entire rotation from last season (only 11.2% of minutes return), Wichita State was picked to finish seventh in the AAC by coaches. Yet, at the same time, the Shockers have won at least 25 games in each of the last nine seasons so is it really a good idea to count the team out?

And while there are good reasons to be skeptical of both teams heading into this year, it is also important to take into account these two coaches. In this matchup, in particular, Providence is likely the more talented team on paper but the end result might just come down to a battle of wits between Cooley and Marshall.