The RoundHouse | 11/16/2021 11:54:00 AM
One more home game and then Wichita State will take 120 minutes of experience on the road for a season-defining stretch.
The Shockers are 2-0 with plenty to work on before Tuesday's game against Tarleton State (0-2) at Koch Arena. Despite the inconsistencies and issues of two close games, the Shockers emerged with the knowledge they can count on depth in tough moments.
On Saturday, veteran leaders
Tyson Etienne, bothered by illness,
Dexter Dennis and
Morris Udeze combined to miss 21 of 26 shots in a 64-58 win over South Alabama. While everyone knows that can't continue, it is helpful to see other Shockers capable of carrying the team. Dennis stepped up, both in the post-game conversation and on social media, to high-five his teammates and acknowledge everyone will need to remain unselfish and ready on the bench as playing time is handed out.
"It's not really about us – that's why we've got other teammates," Dennis said. "That's why we've got other players who step up when we're not playing well. We're going to need them the whole season."
Through the shooting woes and pesky turnovers, the Shockers won with
Ricky Council IV, starting in place of Etienne, scoring 19 points and
Qua Grant adding 13 off the bench. Monzy Jackson scored all five of his points in the second half, highlighted by a three that stopped a 6-0 run by South Alabama.
"We've got other guys that can score," coach
Isaac Brown said. "Clarence Jackson does a great job off the bench.
Kenny Pohto is one of those guys that can sacore in double figures.
Joe Pleasant hasn't showed it yet, but he's another guy that can score the basketball. We've got more than just one guy that can score, and that's comforting to know that you can still win a basketball game when your big three don't get double figures."
Jackson played eight minutes in the opener vs. Jacksonville State. Against South Alabama, he was prepared to contribute and played 14. That is the type of chemistry and preparedness the Shockers need – an experienced player who can put aside the up and down of minutes.
"Even when we were down, those guys never put their heads down and they came together as a team," Brown said. "I thought that showed we got a lot of high-character guys and they all wanted nothing but to win. It wasn't about who was scoring, it was all about winning the basketball game for Wichita State."
Whether starting or off the bench, Council's performance against South Alabama is more evidence of how he can elevate the Shockers with his scoring and play-making.
"He's definitely a guy that can create off the bounce, and when he draws help, I'm glad he's throwing it to the open guys," Brown said. "He's done a great job of getting his teammates involved."
For Etienne, Dennis and Udeze, the task is simple: make a few more shots and take care of the basketball. Both have a history of doing that and their games should hit normal levels soon. While Wichita State's turnover numbers aren't huge, its percentage of possessions ending in a turnover is 17.6, up from 15.8 last season, which ranked No. 29 nationally. The Shockers also aren't getting to the foul line as often as last season. Udeze, who took 75 foul shots in 22 games last season, is 1 for 2.
"We're going to have to pick it up, start making shots, start making better plays for one another," Dennis said.
While the Shockers are a mere two games in, those trends need to change quickly as the schedule grows more challenging.
"(Udeze) needs to get on the block, start scoring the basketball and take advantage of his strengths," Brown said. "I know he wants to play out on the perimeter, and he can step out there and drive the basketball. His bread-and-butter has to be with his back to the basket."
After Tarleton State, the Shockers play Arizona on Friday in Las Vegas to start a crucial stretch. They will need their three leaders to perform, while the reserves remain ready to contribute.
Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.
