Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
The Wichita State Shockers went on an improbable run last March in the NCAA tournament. One of the teams that they upset were the Gonzaga Bulldogs, so why is Gonzaga ranked higher than Wichita State in the USA Today Coaches Poll?
Gonzaga is ranked No. 14 and Wichita State is ranked No. 16. Not that big of a difference, but still.
Related: Who Will the Wichita State Shockers Lose To First In 2013-14 Season?
The Shockers will be returning a bunch of talent, but will be losing some key players as well. At least Cleanthony Early will be back, though. Early led the team in scoring last year. He averaged 13.9 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game. Many players will have to step up on this team, but that should not be a problem.
You could say that the Bulldogs will be losing some key players. Kelly Olynyk and Elias Harris were No. 1 and No. 2 on the team last season in scoring and rebounding. Too bad both are no longer on the team.
Gonzaga did earn a No. 1 seed in last year’s dance, but Wichita State beat it head-to-head in the round of 32.
Regardless, both the Bulldogs and Shockers will be the favorites to win their respected conferences. Wichita State probably should be ranked higher than Gonzaga, but it is what it is.
The Shockers will be without a couple of their top scorers from last season’s Final Four team. It will be interesting to see how that will affect the team. Making a run to the Final Four is probably not likely this season, but the same was the case last year.
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