The RoundHouse | 12/22/2017 9:46:00 AM

By Paul Suellentrop


 

Scheduling updates are always fun. Anything to report on future opponents or early-season tournaments?

— Jason Ault (@JasonAult16) December 21, 2017

Oklahoma and Oklahoma State appear to be strong bets to return to the schedule for two more years. All three schools like the series and it makes great sense for fans. No Intrust Bank Arena game for next season is set. As for tournaments, the Shockers go to the Charleston Classic next season. Last time I checked, tournaments beyond 2018-19 are not final. They should be return visits to tournaments Wichita State recently played in.
 

Will Marshall get the team back on track on defense? It's shocking how bad the D has been the last couple of weeks.

— Darin Engel (@DarinEngel) December 21, 2017

 
This will be the question of the day. I think it's important to remember that Wichita State's defensive numbers, while trending in the wrong direction, remain good. It is No. 35 nationally in Pomeroy's defensive efficiency ranking. And the Shockers faced a strong non-conference schedule - six of the opponents are in Pomeroy's top 75 for offensive efficiency (which doesn't excuse Arkansas State).

So the Shockers, without Markis McDuffie and with Zach Brown, Landry Shamet and Samajae Haynes-Jones in various stages of recovery from injury/illness, didn't have much room for error. Since there is basically no precedent for Wichita State not improving on defense, I think it will grow stronger on that end. McDuffie's return will help. You know the coaches will emphasize defense for as long as it takes. The Shockers don't need to be elite defensively to reach their goals, but they do need to play top-level defense for longer periods of time than they have in recent games. It is hard to win giving up 50 points in a half.

The Shockers can help themselves immensely by forcing a few more turnovers. That is the area this team doesn't compare well with past ones. 

If history holds, the Shockers will play strong defense against Florida Gulf Coast. They hear the criticism and will not enjoy that scrutiny. 
 

How is Conner? Was it a migraine or an ankle the other night ?

— Sharon Kay (@skberry64) December 21, 2017

Migraine. I would expect him to play Friday.
 

How much can we reasonably expect McDuffie's return to help a struggling defense?

— Stephen Turner (@WUpigsooie) December 21, 2017

He can help considerably when he gets in game shape. He can guard four positions, create turnovers and rebound. He led Wichita State's returners in steal rate last season, according to Pomeroy. He adds depth and experience.
 

Opps 3-pt rate is 45% and are making 34%. Is it defensive scheme or personnel allowing high numbers? How do you fix it?

— Nathan Harper (@Harpernk) December 21, 2017

Opponents are making 32.7 percent (99 of 303) of their threes against the Shockers, which ranks No. 97 out of 351 teams, according to Pomeroy. That is not out of line with recent teams - 32.2 in 2013, 35.3 in 2015 and 32.7 in 2016. Last season's team allowed opponents to shoot 31.1 percent.

What we will find out over the next two months is how much playing in the MVC contributed to those numbers. McDuffie's return can help here, as well. The Shockers held five of their opponents under 30 percent shooting from three and held Oklahoma and Notre Dame under their season marks. Games against California, South Dakota State and Arkansas State pull Wichita State's numbers down. Guarding threes is a team thing. Guards have to keep drivers contained, big men have to disrupt the pick and roll and obscure passing lanes and help defenders have to rotate and recover. If one part of that is off, good guards can find open shooters and the Shockers have faced several talented guards with good shooters to help.

I think more playing time for Haynes-Jones can help. He is quick enough to really get after ball-handlers and give the Shockers a disruptive presence on the perimeter.

 

Is it highly likely that @WizKellyy gets a triple double before the year is up? How many triple doubles can you remember in Shocker history?

— jabarajoe (@jabarajoe) December 20, 2017

Since Wichita State has had one (Fred VanVleet in 2015) since 1972, I will say it's not likely. Assists will be the problem. Does Kelly handle the ball enough to get 10 assists? It is hard to get a triple-double in 23 minutes a game, which is what Kelly plays. There are 11 triple-doubles in Shocker history, four by Gene Wiley, one from Dave Stallworth, four by Warren (Armstrong) Jabali and one each for Terry Benton and VanVleet.

 

Will @ThatMcDuffieKid play Friday for a couple minutes?

— ShockEm! (@Shocker1388) December 20, 2017

We might not know until tonight. I would think the ideal situation is that he gets in a few minutes to prep for the start of conference play. My guess is he will play.
 

Is Brown knee causing him to be playing at less than full potential?

— Todd Warner (@Divergence65) December 20, 2017

Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall mentioned that after Tuesday's game. It makes sense. The Christmas break may do Brown good. He is obviously a critical defender and the Shockers need him at full strength.

Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for university Strategic Communications. Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.