Wichita State Basketball: Shockers a sleeper for 2019-2020 season

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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Top Returning Scorer – Jaime Echenique

Echenique is back for his senior year and will be a pivotal part of a Shockers frontcourt that is likely going to see a lot of guys get minutes. The 6-11 big man is someone that Wichita State fans have grown to love and someone who Greg Marshall has always been high on. Marshall even called the big man a player with NBA potential, Echenique is fundamentally sound down low and should see a lot of minutes on a team where he is the only senior on the roster. Wichita State fans and Greg Marshall are both hoping to see Echenique go out with a bang in his last season with the Shockers.

Player Most Likely to Breakout – Dexter Dennis

Dennis matured a lot last season towards the end of the season as a freshman and the experience he was able to gain will pay dividends. Dennis will be a regular starter like he was at the end of last season and should be given a longer leash from head coach Greg Marshall. As Dennis becomes more comfortable with the ball and taking on a larger role we should see a big increase in his scoring output, Dennis is a guy who can score from anywhere on the floor making him a real threat. He has all of the makings to be a fan favorite.

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A Freshman to get Excited For – Tyson Etienne

Greg Marshall was very excited about getting this kid, he said “This is a young man we really liked on the recruiting trail. He played for Coach Terrance ‘Munch’ Williams and the PSA Cardinal on the summer circuit. He’s a combo guard who can play off-the-ball as well as handle it. He’s a dead-eye shooter and body-ready to compete for major minutes walking in the door” (goshockers.com). This kid has the ability to knock down the three-ball and has a chance to play a lot of minutes in a backcourt where there’s a lot of uncertainty. Stevenson and Burton are the two guys most likely to start the year at the two guard spots but Etienne is certainly someone to be keeping an eye out for. Etienne is actually the second-highest recruit in program history for Wichita State and hopefully can live up to his high expectations.