The RoundHouse | 12/30/2020 8:34:00 PM

 

 
Wichita State did some nice things without Dexter Dennis adding much scoring punch in its first six games. Everybody knows that can't continue, even with Dennis contributing as a lockdown defender.
 
The Shockers need his scoring. On Wednesday, Wichita State routed NCAA Division II Newman 81-43 at Koch Arena. Dennis, a 6-foot-5 junior forward, scored a season-high 13 points, made two three-pointers and two rim-rattling dunks.
 
Wichita State (5-2) won its fourth straight game. Newman (2-4) counted the game as an exhibition.
 
Most important, Dennis said he needs these games to get back to the form he showed as a freshman and sophomore. The COVID-19 layoff after last season, lost games and inconsistent practices hurt his ability to get rolling. For much of this season, he said, he felt like a freshman.
 
"I'm just trying to get a feel again," he said. "I feel like I'm knocking the rust off."
 
When interim coach Isaac Brown sees Dennis, he remembers the best of Dennis. He blocked six shots and scored 17 points in an NIT win at Indiana as a freshman. He made six three-pointers to score 18 points at Tulsa that same season. As a sophomore, he sparked Wichita State's comeback win at SMU with 25 points and seven three-pointers. There are plenty of those moments to go back to, times when Dennis performed as the best on the court and carried the Shockers with his shooting and defense.

This season, Dennis continued to play tough defense against the top scorers. Brown knows the Shockers need that offensive version of Dennis more often. His shooting can help everyone by spreading the court and giving others room to operate. Guards Tyson Etienne and Alterique Gilbert are good enough to lead the offense many nights. Their work is made easier when Dennis hits a higher level.

Brown's job is keep Dennis' confidence high, which can unlock his talents. He pushes Dennis to get easy baskets on breaks, take good shots and get to the foul line - all ways to see the ball drop through the net and feel good about the next shot.
 
"When Dexter is making threes, it is hard to guard us," Brown said. "It gives our team a different look."
 
Dennis entered the game with a high of nine points and shooting under 30 percent overall and from three-point range. His low number of foul shots – 0 for 2 – reflected a lack of confidence and aggressiveness driving to the basket. 
 
Dennis is plenty hard on himself and he gets plenty of encouragement from coaches and teammates. 
 
"I continue to tell him 'Keep taking shots,'" Brown said. "We believe you can score the ball and it's going to happen."
 
Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.