The Shockers opened the season ranked No. 10 nationally. Sports Illustrated’s David Gardner and Luke Winn, among others, proclaimed Fred VanVleet and Ron Baker the best backcourt in the NCAA. All of which puts pressure on Wichita State to perform. Big time.
Like they do. Again.
The players who fought their way to the Final Four three years ago are seniors now. VanVleet, Baker and Evan Wessel have experienced some of the most pressure-packed games the Shockers have ever played, including last season’s wins over Indiana and Kansas in the NCAA Tournament before falling to Notre Dame in the Sweet 16.
Their record of success playing under pressure has forged a fearless team that — from coaches, to returning players, to a cast of talented newcomers — in no way backs down from sky-high expectations for the 2015-16 season. “Expectations are high,” VanVleet told the Associated Press in November. “We feel like we have a chance to win every game on our schedule, and that’s what we’re going to try to do.”
After a 91-57 exhibition game win over Hawaii Pacific, the Shockers went on to beat Charleston Southern, 88-63, in their home opener and to rise in the national rankings to No. 9 before the Golden Hurricane dealt them a 67-77 loss in Tulsa. Wichita State’s upcoming non-conference slate includes games against Saint Louis, UNLV and Utah leading into Missouri Valley play.
Both VanVleet and Baker considered leaving for the draft after the close of the 2014-2015 season, but opted to stay for their final season as Shockers because, as Baker puts it: “We’re looking for bigger accomplishments this year.’’
High expectations, indeed. Again.
