Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall spoke to the media ahead of a pair of non-conference matchups. Marshall talked about Erik Stevenson's offense, the fine art of rebounding and the many ways that he is challenging his team going into games against Central Arkansas and Oklahoma State. Fans can purchase tickets to Thursday night's game against Central Arkansas, which starts at 7 p.m., at GoShockers.com/tickets or by calling (316) 978-3267.
 

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GREGG MARSHALL on…
 
... where he is challenging his players at this point in the year:
"I just think we're going to have to compete more and harder. West Virginia exposed that, and they've got a pretty special brand of athlete, especially inside, but they beat us on the glass with their second effort, quickness and all of the things they were able to do. We need to compete a little more, show some resolve and backbone."
 
... what the big guys can do better:
"I don't think they can grow, and I don't think they can dramatically improve their athleticism at this point. I think they need to improve their technique. They need to dig deeper into their gut when it comes to competing."
 
... Erik Stevenson's offensive game:
"(I've liked it) for the most part. There are some shots he takes that I'm not pleased with. That goes for several guys. That's another issue we're going to have to work through. As a coach, there's a fine line being a player's coach and letting them play the game and take shots when they're there and making the green light go from green to yellow to red. That fine line is when you have to make a decision (on the shot selection). I feel like young players have a real difficult time deciding when to shoot. Sometimes Erik is wide open, and I want him to shoot when he catches it. There are times he takes it and turns a wide-open catch-and-shoot shot into a semi-contested one-dribble pull-up." 
 
... the mindset going into the game against Central Arkansas:
"I want to see us play really well, regardless of the opponent. I want to see how well we can possibly play. We're not going to play a perfect game, but how well can we play? Because that's what it's going to take when we go down to Stillwater on Sunday."
 
... how Jaime Echenique's hand looks:
"It looks fine to me. I can't look in there with my naked eye, like Superman. The doctors have assured us it's healed. The more time (that passes) the better (it will heal). We're five or six weeks out now. He should be good."