To return to the NCAA tournament, a team needs contributions from both returning players and incoming recruits. Here's a look at Wichita State and its chances of dancing again in 2016.
Quick references:
Possible 2015-16 starting five
G: Ron Baker
G: Evan Wessel
Who is lost: Provided VanVleet and Baker stick around for their senior seasons (Baker considered going pro after last season), Wichita State should be OK in the departure department. Tekele Cotton is the biggest loss, as the strong wing player was one of the best defenders in the country and also had his share of highlight-reel dunks. Starting center Darius Carter took big steps from his junior to senior season and became a legitimate option on the low block this past season.
Who is added: With Wichita State’s national success the past couple of seasons, Gregg Marshall is able to attract higher-level talent -- and he did that with McDuffie (No. 92 in ESPN 100). A 6-foot-8 wing, McDuffie’s ceiling and versatility are the most intriguing aspects of his profile. He will be able to make an impact on the defensive end because of his length and size. He will push for a starting spot right off the bat. Two guards coming into the fold are Landry Shamet and Tyrone Taylor. Shamet is a very good shooter from the perimeter and Taylor is at his best off the dribble and as an on-ball defender. Eric Hamilton, a 6-foot-8 power forward, will provide depth. Another key addition is Kansas transfer Conner Frankamp, who will be eligible after the first semester next season. He will immediately be one of the better guards in the league.
What it means for next season: With VanVleet and Baker likely returning, the backcourt will remain in good hands. Both are among the best players in the country at their position, and one more year will be a nightmare for the rest of the Missouri Valley -- and the rest of the country. VanVleet is a solid point guard who seems to always make the right play, while Baker continues to expand his game, improving his ball-handling, defense and shooting. Frankamp will only help once eligible. Wessel, an undersized forward, returns as a starter; he's a solid role player who can stretch a defense. Two bench players who could see a bigger role will be Morris and forward Rashard Kelly. Morris had some big games in league play, and Kelly provides a different dimension at power forward.
Trending: Level. As long as VanVleet and Baker are still on the roster and Marshall is on the sideline, Wichita State shouldn't take much of a hit. Where the Shockers separate from the rest of the Valley is in terms of newcomers: adding talented guys like McDuffie and Frankamp is an area where other schools simply can’t compete.