We continue our recruit and return series with the Wichita State Shockers, whose season ended Friday with a loss to Marshall. A look at what the 2018-19 season could hold:
Possible 2018-19 starting five
G: Alex Lomax
F: Morris Udeze
Who is lost: Wichita State's chances next season likely hinge on what Landry Shamet decides to do with the NBA draft. At the very least, he will test the waters -- and would be a fringe first-round pick if he decided to leave. The Shockers' frontcourt gets decimated, with Shaq Morris, Darral Willis, Rashard Kelly and Zach Brown all moving on. Morris had a terrific senior season, and Brown is a high-level defender. Conner Frankamp, the team’s point guard and best shooter, was also a senior.
Who is added: Gregg Marshall did a good job on the recruiting trail this class, bringing in a couple guys who could compete for immediate roles as freshmen. Alex Lomax will battle at the point guard spot; the Memphis native had SEC schools in pursuit but chose to play at Wichita State. He's good defensively and will compete. Chance Moore is a four-star small forward who took a prep year at Sunrise Christian Academy (Kansas) -- he has plenty of potential with size on the wing. Up front, look for Morris Udeze to contribute early. Udeze had high-major schools involved, and he has good length and a strong body.
What it means for next season: As we said, Shamet's decision means the world to the Shockers. If he returns and Markis McDuffie is back to being 2016-17 Markis McDuffie, this team will once again have one of the best duos in the country. But if Shamet leaves, Wichita State is poised for a step back. Marshall will have to rely heavily on his incoming class, and while there is talent in the group, it's a tall order given the shoes the young players have to fill. McDuffie is a key next season. He was one of the best players in the Missouri Valley in 2016-17, but he was hampered by injury for most of this past season. He should return to form. Arkansas native Austin Reaves is perhaps the team's best shooter and will see a bigger role next season. Point guard Samajae Haynes-Jones showed flashes, especially during the middle part of the season, but faded down the stretch.
Trending: Down. It's difficult to doubt Marshall, given he has made the NCAA tournament in seven straight seasons and won 30-plus games four times during that stretch. But Wichita State loses a ton from this year's team, and it could take some time to get the newcomers acclimated. If Shamet returns, though, the Shockers will be back in the national conversation.