Wichita State: Are The Shockers An Elite Defensive Team?

Wichita State sits at 3-0, and — despite poor shooting performances — defeated two good teams in New Mexico State and Memphis. Head coach Gregg Marshall preaches defense, and the Shockers have used his philosophies to win 34 straight regular-season games. But how good is Wichita State’s defense? Are the Shockers an elite defensive team?

Wichita State obliterated Newman 105-57 Sunday afternoon. It was the Shockers’ best offensive game this season, shooting better than 50 percent from the field and better than 40 percent from long-range.

Their first two games? Not so good.

The Shockers opened the season shooting 0-for-11 from deep against New Mexico State, and followed it up by barely shooting 40 percent from the field against Memphis — not exactly setting the nets on fire.

But the Shockers won both of those games, and looked impressive while doing so.

How?

Despite shooting woes early this season, Wichita State’s defense has been superb, holding opponents to only 55.7 points per game.

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In a season where flashy, high-scoring offenses have grabbed headlines, the Shockers’ defense has flown under the radar of mainstream media.

However, if the Shockers continue winning — and they will — people will be forced to take notice.

But what makes Wichita State’s defense so good?

The Shockers feature three experienced guards — Fred VanVleet, Ron Baker and Tekele Cotton — who excel at forcing tough shots and turnovers. Each understands what is expected of him and understands his role.

Against New Mexico State, Wichita State forced 20 turnovers and held the Aggies to 40 percent shooting. The Shockers had 11 steals — VanVleet had seven by himself.

Tekele Cotton, The Shockers’ best perimeter defender, held Western Athletic Conference Preseason Player of the Year Daniel Mullings to 14 points, and allowed Mullings to take only three first half shots in 17 minutes.

Cotton gives Wichita State the luxury of having an elite defender who can guard the opposing team’s best perimeter player. His strength and athleticism makes him one of the best defenders in college basketball.

The Shockers followed a good defensive performance with an even more impressive performance against Memphis, where they forced 24 turnovers, including 14 in the first half, while holding the Tigers to 40 percent shooting.

As a coach, it’s great to have veteran players guarding the perimeter who understand team defense. However, all elite defensive teams are anchored by solid inside play, and if the Shockers are going to take their defense to the next level, they must first have better production from their inexperienced post players.

Wichita State lost a lot of frontcourt depth: Cleanthony Early, who left for the NBA Draft, as well as rotation big men Chadrack Lufile and Kadeem Coleby.

Last season, Wichita State’s perimeter defense was backed by five players who blocked 20 or more shots. As a matter of fact, the 2013-14 team averaged a school-record 5.1 blocks per game.

If the Shockers want to replicate last year’s defensive success this season, someone must step up and fill the void left behind by those players.

Senior forward Darius Carter was expected to step into a starting role this year, and so far has not disappointed. But a lot of is being asked of Carter — Marshall is using a “small-ball” starting lineup consisting of Carter and four guards — and he will need help as the season progresses.

As of right now, Marshall is still searching for the right lineups and rotations.

Marshall has experimented with starting guard Evan Wessel at power forward. At 6’4″, Wessel has the speed to cause matchup problems for bigger players, but will ultimately be abused in the post with his lack of size.

It may work short-term, but the Shockers must find a solution in order to be competitive defensively when matched up against bigger teams in the NCAA tournament.

The Shockers have four players — junior college transfer Tom Wamukota and freshmen Rauno Nurger, Rashard Kelly and Shaquille Morris — who will have the opportunity to play significant minutes this season.

If one or two of these players can rise to the occasion, the Shockers automatically become a contender for the national championship. They don’t have to be shot blockers, but they must have good defensive positioning and understand the team’s defensive schemes.

The Shockers have a lot of experienced defensive talent on the perimeter, but to be successful must get better contributions from their post players. Marshall must figure out which lineups and rotations work best, and continue to push his young players to step up sooner rather than later.

If Wichita State develops a defensive presence inside to compliment its perimeter players, the Shockers will once again be a dangerous team in March.

Next: The Best Offensive Team in College Basketball