The RoundHouse | 9/28/2021 8:48:00 PM
The start of a full schedule of college basketball practice often feels like a continuation of workouts from the summer and early fall. It is more of an increase than a starting point.
Tuesday, however, felt like a welcome back to Koch Arena. Wichita State's men's and women's basketball teams started their regular in-season routines with their exhibition games scheduled for early November.
"It's good to see you guys," forward
Dexter Dennis said.
The media returned for in-person interviews after last season's COVID-19 restrictions largely limited interactions to Zoom interviews.
"It's good to see you," women's coach
Keitha Adams said. "We hadn't had you in Koch Arena in a long time."
Both head coaches expect to coach fully vaccinated teams by the time the season begins. Both consider it a competitive advantage because games are not cancelled or rescheduled this season if a team can't play because of COVID-19 issues. This season, the offending team is hit with a loss.
"I'm super-excited that these guys went and got vaccinated," men's coach
Isaac Brown said. "We met with the guys and we told them it was their decision. We also let them know that if you're not vaccinated and you get close contact you would have to miss a game. That could cost us down the line."
Brown is also excited about the return of fans to Koch Arena in typical numbers.
"I think that's an advantage that we have in our conference, because we can fill that arena," he said. "We've got the best fans in the country, and I'm just so excited that they can get back in that gym."
The women's basketball coaches, and some of the men's coaches, mask at practice. So do the athletic trainers and medical staff. COVID-19 absences and protocols are not totally a thing of the past.
"We have to be smart about it," Adams said. "But it is better. The vaccine makes it better."
Tyson Etienne used his summer wisely - The Shocker guard went through the evaluation process for the NBA Draft and worked out for eight teams. Brown is pleased with how Etienne, who shared American Athletic Conference Player of the Year honors with Houston's Quentin Grimes last season, improved his skills.
"The game is slowing down for him," Brown said. "I think he's getting used to the double-teams and used to being denied the ball, so he's starting to do other things like creating shots for other guys on the team. He's moving better without the ball and learning to use screens."
Etienne will play both guard spots for the Shockers, and maybe some small forward. Brown expects him to display improved ball-handling skills, assets that will help him with the Shockers and in his professional future.
"I think NBA teams want guys that can create in the half court," Brown said. "It doesn't really matter who brings the ball up the floor – if you can create in the half court like he did this year in our conference, I think he'll be fine."
Lessons from last season – The Shocker women endured a 2020-21 with challenges that seemed to stand above most teams, even during a challenging time for all.
COVID-19 protocols and injuries left them short-handed often. The Shockers didn't employ enough bodies for a full practice until late January and played many games with a diminished roster.
With that behind them, Adams is optimistic that the Shockers can take that experience and use it as a foundation. The Shockers return their top six scorers from last season. The additions include center
Jane Asinde, an NJCAA All-American at Grayson (Texas) College, and center
Ella Anciaux, a second-team All-Class 5A pick at Kapaun Mount Carmel,
"We've got nine returners that bring a lot of experience," Adams said. "We went through a really challenging year last year. We showed our toughness. We played our best ball at the end of the year, which I thought was pretty awesome and showed the character of these guys."
Depth at center – Adams likes the potential of her center rotation with returner
Trajata Colbert and Anciaux. Asinde and senior
Asia Strong, a second-team all-conference pick, are also capable of playing in the post.
"(Anciaux) gives us size," Adams said. "She has a nice left hand. She's adjusting, because it is faster. Her work ethic is great and she's got the mentality that I think she'll come in and she'll help us on the court and off the court."
Simple goal – Dennis is glad to be part of what is a reasonably experienced group in college these days. He is entering his fourth season as a Shocker, as is center
Morris Udeze. Etienne is in his third season. Monzy Jackson,
Craig Porter Jr.,
Ricky Council IV and
Chaunce Jenkins all played for the Shockers last season.
With those numbers and last season's AAC title and NCAA Tournament berth, Dennis knows expectations are high.
"Winning," Dennis said. "That's pretty much it. It starts here in practice."
Experienced help – The Wichita State men have six newcomers, two of whom bring significant college resumes.
Guard
Qua Grant earned NCAA Division II Al-American honors twice at West Texas A&M from 2018-21. He averaged 22.4 points and made 38.4 percent of his three-pointers last season.
"
Qua Grant is just what we needed – another ballhandler who can create shots for other guys," Brown said. "He's a big-time defender."
Forward
Joe Pleasant transferred from Abilene Christian, which knocked off Texas 52-51 in last season's NCAA Tournament. His foul shots in the final seconds provided the winning margin. Pleasant, from Blue Valley Northwest High School, averaged 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds last season.
"Joe is an experienced guy," Brown said. "He won two conference championships and has been to the NCAA Tournament. He can score it on the block. He can shoot threes. He's going to be ready to go."
Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.
