Wichita State Basketball: Ranking 2019-20 non-conference opponents

Wichita State Basketball: Ranking Shockers 2019-20 non-conference opponents

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 19: Head coach Gregg Marshall of the Wichita State Shockers reacts in the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 19, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, AZ – APRIL 01: Head coach Frank Martin of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks on in the first half against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Final Four Semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

8. Omaha Mavericks (Nov 5)

2018-19 record: 21-11 (13-3)

Despite the loss of their two leading scorers, the Mavericks still have a trio of double-digit scorers left for next season. Guards JT Gibson and point guard KJ Robinson will lead the perimeter, while forward Matt Pile will anchor the frontcourt. If junior guard Ayo Akinwole continues to develop, Omaha will compete for a Summit League title.

7. Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (Nov 23)

2018-19 record: 11-21 (7-9)

The top four scorers for the Golden Eagles are coming back, including the vaunted frontcourt trio of Kevin Obanor, Emmanuel Nzekwesi and DJ Weaver. Sam Kearns (10.3 ppg and 3.6 apg) will become the team’s primary facilitator after Kaelen Malone’s graduation. With a better defensive effort and more experience, Oral Roberts should definitely finish over .500 next year.

6. Gardner-Webb Bulldogs (Nov 19)

2018-19 record: 23-12 (11-6)

The Bulldogs hope to make the NCAA Tournament once again despite the absence of leading scorer David Efianayi. But another top offensive player is set to emerge in Jose Perez, who scored 15.1 ppg while leading the team in both rebounding (5.7 rpg) and passing (3.0 apg). If another quality offensive player can produce (Nate Johnson the likely favorite), Gardner-Webb can still be near the top of the Big South.

5. South Carolina Gamecocks (N) (Nov 26)

2018-19 record: 16-16 (11-7)

The loss of forward Chris Silva (15.2 ppg and 7.6 rpg) is a big blow for the Gamecocks, made even worse by the transfer of Felipe Haase. Grad transfers Micaiah Henry and UNC guard Seventh Woods should add a veteran presence while sophomore guard AJ Lawson could be an All-SEC performer. The key will be the returns of Justin Minaya and TJ Moss, who missed most of last season. If Lawson can become a star player, South Carolina has enough depth below him to become a true threat in the SEC.