S9Ep07
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Dustin Kuhn: [00:00:00] Welcome to Talk Angry with Kuhn and Eldridge, the shockers are undefeated in the month of February. We'll talk about two great wins last week over Tulsa and SMU. Get you ready for this week's games against UCF and USF. We'll also talk to Pete, the president and CEO of the United way of the Plains who's helping raise awareness for the coaching for literacy game.

Great show coming up right after this.

Welcome back to Talk Angry with Kuhn and Eldridge shockers, go to and UNO on the weekend. Really. I don't want to overlook that Tulsa game, but that SMU, when 72 57, I feel like this was the shocker team we've been waiting for all season long. And really in my opinion has changed the whole outlook of the season.

You start to look at the standings and think about, you know, could we start to go on a run here and climb up the standings, but tailored just for the week overall, kind of where, where do you feel like the team.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah. I mean, that was what they needed. We talked about last podcast, you know, they needed two wins at least last week. And obviously we didn't know. The road trip to SMU is going to get postponed. to go to and, oh, you know, like you said, I mean that one was as a huge week, you know, Tyson Etienne kinda sensed the same thing, he told us after that SMU game, he was telling the, his guys that, you know, he felt like it was the Superbowl almost.

I mean, he put that kind of importance on, on that game, you know, if they lose that one, that's another loss at home. you know, they're probably not going to make it. to close out the season. So, you know, he, he really saw the importance in that one too. And, you know, now they've, they won three in a row at Koch Arena.

Now the next step is, you know, taking it on the road and start picking up road wins. That's how you move up the standings. And, you know, they have a good chance on Tuesday night, to lead probably UCF, you know, you win that game. You go up to seven and then your one spot closer to it to getting that top five, seed, you know, which would be a bye in and Fort worth.

So that's that's, I think that should be the goal at this point is to get top. You know, winning for four games in four days is, is probably too much of a, you know, a task that to ask from, from anything. So, getting that first round buy is going to be crucial. So if they can sneak their way up and, you know, play their way into fourth or fifth, see that that would be.

Dustin Kuhn: I think it's important to point out how much of a run SMU was coming on coming into this game. And the shockers just completely shut them down. SMU never leads in the game. They hold Kendrick Davis to his season, low with eight points. Tyson and Ricky council go for 20. And even the crowd, I mean, the, the arena and Coke, you know, there seemed like there was a few more, butts in the seats and, and it was a good atmosphere as well.

People are standing up cheering them, the players, they they've gone through a lot this season, but they still seem to be friends. They're, you know, pat each other on the back and just the energy and the intensity that we were so used to seeing from the shoppers for so many years that really had maybe disappointed at times this year was certainly back on display.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah. You mentioned that, you know, this was the version of the shockers that, you know, I think everyone expected this year and, you know, the players themselves. So for them to, to get back to that, to, to, you know, show that they still have that potential, you know, that's the second best team in the conference.

Like you said, you know, they'd only lost once and basically the last,you know, two months. So, for the shockers to go in there at Koch arena and to be able to thoroughly beat them, I know there were some probably nervous moments in the second half. you know, when they cut it to 10 with I there's still seven minutes left.

And, you know, for most teams that might not be that nervous. But, you know, given what we know about, you know, this Wichita State team, Wichita State fans were probably feeling, you know, probably sweating it out a little bit, just because of, you know, they were probably thinking, here we go again. But if you look at it, you know, this is a team that, that led that game.

You know, it never got. They led SMU by double digits for the last 30 minutes of that game. So very impressive. you know, very thorough when, and you know, really the biggest reason was, you know, they got back to that elite defense and, you know, a huge part of that was Dexter Dennis. you know, on Kendrick Davis, you know, that, that was probably my ASU player of the year coming into that game.

And I know he had been a little bit of a many slump, but, you know, that was obviously his worst game of the season. And, you know, Dexter did most of that, but you know, it wasn't just him, you know, that team defense, you know, the big Mo and Kenny, you know, putting two on, on ball screens, making them see, two defenders, you know, Qua and [00:05:00] Craig and Tyson.

I know those guys spent a little time on KD as well. So I, you know, it was really just an overall team effort on the defensive end. They did have some laps. But, you know, for the most part, you know, those probably the, the best, you know, it's looked on defense and, you know, obviously SMU, they're gonna make a lot of those shots.

You know, most of the time, you know, that's one of the best shooting teams and the American. So they're, they're used to making shots, but, you know, I thought, I wish I stayed, did a very good job of cutting off the head of the snake with, with extra. silencing Kendrick Davis. I mean, he's the one that makes that offense go and, you know, because they didn't have that generator, then they were left, you know, doing some things, maybe they weren't as comfortable doing.

And, you know, I thought, what should I say to the job of making, the right players on SMU from a WSU perspective, you know, make. And take a lot of the shots and doing things they were maybe not as comfortable doing because you know, they're used to, you know, Kendrick Davis, you know, putting on a show and scoring 20 and, and dishing out, you know, six, seven assists.

So, that, that was the biggest. And my mind, you know, which say, just getting back to that elite defense that we saw, you know, early in the season then took a pretty big dip, you know, at the syrup conference play. And now we're starting to see it again. And you know, now they're up to a number 20 and Ken Palm and national defense.

And then, you know, if that's, if that's going to be the case for the rest of the season, you know, this team, you know, it, it could make a run much like that, that team four years ago,

Dustin Kuhn: You had an article today, kansas.com on Ricky council. He made the American hoops on and roll this week. He scored 11 all in the second half against Tulsa goes for 20 against SMU and. A lot of people have asked, why is he maybe not in the starting lineup? He's getting starters minutes, just not playing there at the beginning of the game.

And IB really likes what he brings off the.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah. That's the important thing to note is that even though he's not starting, he's playing now the third, most minutes on the team, you know, he is playing starters minutes, but I know, you know, a lot of people are still confused. You know, you just look at the stats and, you know, it's a simple question to, you know, for a, for a lot of fans to wonder, you know, you look at Ricky.

Averaging the second, most points on the team during conference clay. And you look at someone like Joel pleasant, who's, you know, the average is only like three points and three rebounds. And you're like, why would you not sorry, you know, the five best players on the team. And, you know, we've seen this over the years through, you know, different levels of basketball, you know, some, some teams just like having, you know, one of their best players come off the bench.

And I re said that that as much, you know, after the SMU game is that he just really bad. The way that Ricky is able to change the game when he comes in, usually he's in before the first media timeout and the game, and he's just instant offense. And you know, it, it just changes the pace of the game. It changes the way that we shall say it looks on us.

And he really values that to provide that spark. and then also, you know, in defending why Joe Pleasant's in the starting lineup, he really likes the way he plays a team defense, you know, and I will say, you know, Joe is very heady, very steady as a team defender. Pretty good on the ball as well. you know, it's not super athletic, but he's, you know, he, you know, he's gonna, you know, give a a hundred percent effort and you're going to make the right rotations most of the time.

And we even saw, you know, a little bit of that athletic athleticism last game with that, that monster box. At the end of the first half. So he just really trust Joe, I think. And you know, you look at the overall minutes played, you know, Joe hasn't been playing as much. And then Rick has obviously been playing close to, you know, anywhere between 25 and 30.

So, you know, the minutes have kind of worked themselves out, but I will say, you know, it is very interesting, you know, intriguing to wonder, you know, what, what shall I say it could be, you know, if you start your five. you know, you go with your most dangerous lineup right out of the gate with, you know, basically Ricky council moving into the starting lineup and you bump up Dexter to the four and then you bring Joe pleasant off the bench and play him, you know, 10 minutes per game.

So, yeah, I'd be curious to hear what you think, Dustin. I mean, you liked that, that, that Ricky punch off the bench or do you want him playing and starting and, and maybe getting even more minutes than here? Yeah.

Dustin Kuhn: Well, I almost think you have to do it by the opponent. SMU didn't really seem to have a lot of size. And so they were able to go smaller a lot more and have Dexter at the four with Ricky at the three. If I'm playing a Houston, you need as much size. As you can get. I have also been impressed with the play of Kenny Poteau, here over these last few games and he seems like he's coming along to be a little bit more of a dependent, dependable guy down low.

And, and that helps with the length as well. But, you know, I be as a guy that he hasn't made any wholesale changes throughout all of this. [00:10:00] And, and I guess he's been rewarded for that consistency at this point, if they can turn it around, they were plus 25 in bench production over SMU. Ricky was a big part of that.

So, as long as the ball keeps going in the basket, I just, I still can't get over. That was the team that we thought we would see all season. And if they can put a few more of these games consistently together on film, I, I do think that this guy is certainly the limit. Also looking at both the teams they beat this week with conference realignment.

I think SMU and Tulsa are going to be their main rivals. How about this they've won five straight over SMU, even though it had been almost two years since they'd last played, they've won four straight against Tulsa, 10 straight over Tulsa and Wichita 16 out of the last 18. And they're eight and one over the golden hurricane since joining the AAC.

So I know that was a rivalry of the Missouri valley conference days in Wichita. State's really taking advantage of it here since joining the eighth.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah. I mean, those are the, you know, like you said, you know, once those teams leave for the big 12, you know, the conference is going to look entirely different and, which I'll say, you know, has a chance to really. As, you know, the premier team in the conference, you know, obviously Memphis and SMU teams like that are going to be vying for that spot too.

But, you know, we could see, you know, I, I feel like, you know, all three of these teams, you know, at various points this season, you know, we've heard rumblings about maybe coaching changes at Memphis and, and you know, obviously Jankovich at SMU, you know, if they don't make the tournament this year, you gotta start to wonder, you know, how long he's gonna last.

You know, then we talked, you know, a couple of weeks ago about, you know, IB and you know, him maybe feeling a little bit of the pressure too. And now they've started to turn things around. I think that's kind of quieted down, but, you know, who knows what those three programs could look like, you know, going into next year, but those are probably the three best and the American moving forward.

And, and then real quick to, you know, touch on, you know, what you said about. I mean, that's, you know, that bitch unit, Kenny Monzy Ricky, I think that's the challenge for this coaching staff to figure out how many minutes these guys play and, and, and, you know, figure out the flow. And, you know, it does feel like, you know, I thought that Monzy was, was suburb in that first app.

And, you know, he was on the fourth for all of the scoring, I believe. And that 18 to, to run that, that just, you know, Pablo to SMU and basically, you know, one them, they game, you know, in that first half. And then he didn't really get to play much. You know, he only got six minutes, I believe, in the first half.

And, you know, I didn't think he played great in the second half. So it's hard to say he deserved more minutes, but you know, it just felt like, you know, he was out there, the scoreboard was moving in the right direction and it felt like, a lot because of his energy. So I think that's like the challenge.

For this team, they, they, they do have, you know, a lot of mouths to feed and, they have a lot of lineup combinations and, you know, players to play, but, you know, they, they have some serious weapons and talent off the bench because you know, this could, you know, this is probably one of the best benches in the American with, you know, that much on offensive talent.

Coming off the bench and it's going to be interesting to, to see, you know, the split between Moe and Kenny, you know, going down the stretch, you know, I, I'm just really intrigued by the pick and roll. you know, when Kenny is on the four, he obviously he presents the pick and pop action, you know, and it seems like he's been and down about, you know, one, three pointer, every single game.

So, you know, the more that he's able to do that, the more it's going to stretch out defenses. I think that gives the guards way more space. Yeah. you know, what we're seeing now is, you know, teens are switching one through five, you know, they're switching their point cards onto Kenny. you know, when he's on the floor, if they, they don't want to give up to pick them up and then that's opening up the pointers to the tribe and then obviously, you know, Kenny to crash the glass.

So that's something that I'm going to keep my eye on is just, you know, how the coaching staff uses those three guys, because it seems like they're there. They can be difference makers coming off the bench with Ricky, Ricky Monzy and Kenny, this is monitoring their minutes and, and how WSU uses them. Cause you know, those are the three weapons, right?

Dustin Kuhn: It's good to see the team overall play with some swagger, you know, pound in the chest a little bit, getting the crowd involved. We had several instances where the whole building stood up and was letting them know. So I will say that the crowds have not been to my life. We are, but Wichita state fans are very smart basketball fans, in my opinion, when they need that extra urge and the players are giving that, you know, MTX mentality, they're going to stand up and let you know about it.

So I kind of had to look around like, where's this been all year, but it was, it was nice to see Ken Palm 77. At this point, they are eight in the AAC and those two losses to Delaine really, really hurt if they had turned those, the other one. I believe they'd be forth seven games remaining. And my next question for you is what [00:15:00] do you think the possibility is that those reschedule any of these postponed away games at SMU at temple and at east Carolina?

I believe they have a week in between the Houston and Memphis game, but anything you've heard about trying to get as many games as possible back on this.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah. I mean, and you look at that schedule and it really is. It just shows kind of like the razor thin margin of error and, you know, the Cincinnati, you gotta throw the Cincinnati game in there too. Cause that was again, game that was shot. They probably should've finished. And you know, You know, one or two plays in all three of those games go the other way, which I'll say is looking at what, like a six and three record right now, you know, they're probably on the instability tournament bubble and you know, we're not talking about any of the, you know, disappointments or, you know, IB on the hot seat or, or what's wrong with this team.

So it just kinda shows you, you know, how. The margin is, and, in some of these games, so, you know, this team was never really that far away from, from, you know, this potential. I, I, I think I tweeted out during that game, you know, that was a six straight game and AAC play that they had taken a double digit lead.

So, you know, they've, they've proven that they can build these on teams. It's just a matter of finishing in them. And now they're starting to finishing them, finish them. And, and, and like I said, you know, now the next step is going on the road. you know, they've only pointed to road games the last two months, basically, you know, they, haven't only two road games since December 1st.

So, and then to answer your question, you know, I would probably scratch off the east Carolina road trip. I mean, I think they're done with them, you know, they flew out there and, I, I think that kind of left a sour taste in their mouth with how UCU handled that. So I scratched that one. I do think that they do want to reschedule the SMU and simple road games.

you know, those are two games that could help them move up in the standings to teams in front of them in the standing. So I think there is some urgency to, to reschedule those. And, you know, they have a date February 14th. I think I looked at, that would be a date that works, you know, in between games for 10, for SMU.

Taylor Eldridge: And then they have another week long stretch between the Houston and Memphis games. I can't remember if the SMU, if that would work for SMU or not, but you know, there are dates available for which let's say, if you get those Tuesday and scheduled. So I would, I would expect at least one of them gets rescheduled.

you know, I, I do think that. you know, there's a one to, to get two of them, but like I said, you know, east Carolina they're probably done with.

Dustin Kuhn: Well, if you look at these remaining games, just about every team has ahead of them in the conference, standing, starting with Tuesday's match up against you. They go to Sensi, you have Houston and home at Memphis. And so if you do want to start to think, can you get to that fifth spot and not have to play until Friday down in Fort worth?

You've kind of got it. All right in front of your temple would be another team, in there. If they're able to get back with.

temple.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah, it'd be actually saying, cause you know, it's. You know, for the second straight year, you know, just, COVID cancellations have kind of worked out in WSU's favor, you know, obviously last year they avoided, you know, some of the top teams and, you know, no fault of their own. And then this year, you know, it's, it's taken off, you know, a lot of road trips where it's like, you know, it's a, you know, it's just tough to win on the road and you know, you get three off the board.

you know, that means a lot of the games so far have been at home. you know, that would be another part of it too, you know, I wonder if, you know, w shoe goes on a nice little run here, you know, are you motivated to, you know, go on the road and, and risk it? I don't think that they really look at it in that terms, but I think, you know, they're, they're basketball players, you know, they're basketball coaches, they're competitive.

Taylor Eldridge: I think they're going to want to, you know, but maybe that's, you know, maybe in the back of their mind, maybe that's in the back of, you know, Darren Boatright's line about, you know, avoiding those road trips, to, you know, help improve your seating. You know, if they do go on a run here, you know, pick up a, you know, if they pick up the road, win at UCF on Tuesday, then you, then you set yourself up.

Then you're playing the worst team in the conference at home. South Florida. And then next week that's a huge road game at Cincinnati. That feels like that could be a huge swing game, you know, potentially a four game winning streak. If you win that one, now you're back in business. You have to imagine you're going to be inching closer to that, that this.

you know, in the conference and that's going to be the huge one, but you know, it all starts, you know, I think tomorrow we're talking Monday night, so it all starts with this UCF, road trip. That's going to be a huge game for what shall state to determine, you know, how much of a push can they make at the end of the season.

Dustin Kuhn: That road loss at two lane just really stings. But if it was the turning point in the season.

I think you'd take that. But you think, you know, had they won that now you're on a four game winning streak or foreign foreign conference. Things look drastically different, but, it is what it is. We'll hopefully see them get two wins this week.

Let's take a break. When we come back, we'll get you ready [00:20:00] for Tuesday's matchup at UCF, and then the coaching for literacy games, Saturdays home matchup with USA. Welcome back to talk angry with Coon and Eldridge. The shockers we'll play the UCF golden Knights on Tuesday 8:00 PM. Central time. Tip off 9:00 PM Eastern. ESPN you, as we know, Wichita state beat UCF, 84, 79, just a few weeks ago in Wichita. UCF is one and two since that game and currently kin Palm 1 0 1.

This is a game. I think the shocker has got to have Taylor. You mentioned they haven't won on the road since that December 1st win at Oklahoma state haven't won on the road at all in conference, even though it was only the two games, but, probably a game that you need to have, you know, not only to leapfrog them in the standings, but to keep this momentum.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah, absolutely. And, you know, to continue this momentum, you know, they're playing really well since that devastating. loss, like you mentioned, and you know, they really pick themselves back up. You know, I know the Tulsa game, wasn't, very pretty, but you know, it's a 10 point when they were up by like 18 with like two minutes left and then, SMU, you know, 15 point when, so, you know, you're starting to build momentum.

The defense has been,the last week, and if that carries on the road, which is, what's made, which I say is such a good road team in the past, you know, defense rebounding, those are the things that travel on the road. So, you know, if they're able to play at that level and I just, I don't know what it is, but you know, what shall I say, just seems to have UCS number, you know, they've played in a number of, of close games over the years, and it just seems like the shockers always find a way to pull it out.

You know, we saw that again at Koch arena. you know, WSU being able to pull that one out and, you're right. You know, this is a game where, you know, if you want to make noise, you want to, you know, turn your season around. This is a game that you gotta have, you know, on the road, UCF entered conference play, you know, as the NCAA tournament, resumes.

And then, you know, it's just kinda gotten to pieces since then. And, pretty disappointing, you know, seasons so far for, you know, Johnny Dawkins down here. And, you know, especially when you start out nine and two and you know, you beat Michigan by 14 points and it, and it feels like, you know, they had a nice win at.

I felt like they had serious momentum and it's just that it just hasn't gone according to plan, in conference play, you know, they, they have a lot of nice pieces. I like a lot of the authentic pieces that they have. you know, Darren green, Brandon Mehan, you know, those two guys are, you know, to the best sharp shooters, in the, in the conference, Derrius Perry, another guys.

So, you know, that's one of the most talented, you know, trio of guards in the conference. So, you know, which stuff is going to have to play well. But like I said, you know, if they, if they are able to defend, like they have been doing, you know, Dexter Dennis probably going to start on Darren green would, would be my guess, if he's able to neutralize him, then you, you kind of could, they they've actually decreased, may has minutes.

And that's usually who Dexter guards on this team. And so I, I think that he's gonna move to Darren green. And that's going to help them. you know, you just look at what he's done, the last couple of games, you know, his track record, his priests or her, you know, just he's building a case once again, to, to at least get some mentions for, be sends a player of the year.

Obviously, you know, probably not going to get it at WSU finishes with a losing record, but, you know, if they turn it around here, he could get some serious buzz and, you know, need another big game from him on the defense event. Yeah, I think if they make UCF uncomfortable, then that's going to favor the shockers.

You know, the uglier the game is, I think WSU is more a, is better equipped to win a game on.

Dustin Kuhn: Darren green is leading all scores on the nights. With 13.7 points per game, they score 70 a game, allow 67 shooting at 43% from the field. 34% from three. I know most of the decisions were made with football in mind, but I think UCF, when they go to the big 12 is in for a little bit of a rude away.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah. I mean, they're going to need a serious bump up in recruiting and, and definitely, you know, if you think that the American is a good defense, the competence, you know, there are some teams that get after it in the big 12 too, and then also a lot more that point even better often. So I think Houston very well equipped.

I can't wait to see, you know, you know, get after it, against some of the big clubs best, but yeah. You know, UCF, you know, they're, they're, you know, in, for,you know, world of hurt probably, you know, at least in the early years, until they can kind of recover, maybe get a recruiting bump up by, by moving up into the big 12.

But, yeah, I mean, that's going to be tough flooding for them. Cause you know, I think all 10 of the big 12. this season could make it to the NCAA tournament if the Oklahoma state wasn't ineligible. So I just kind of show, I mean, it's just year in, year [00:25:00] out, you know, the best conference in college basketball, it seems like.

So that's, that's a tough, tough ass in the basketball world. I wouldn't be surprised if, you know, maybe we see Johnny, you know, he's such a good coach and, you know, I think he would be pretty valued if he goes on the open market. So who knows? we'll have to monitor that one, but, yeah, it just seems like a very tall task to ask for UCF to be competitive right away.

And the basketball.

Dustin Kuhn: We'll move now into our coverage of Saturday's matchup. With the USF bowls. They are six and 14 on the season, one in seven in the AAC. And it's the coaching for literacy game. Joining us. Now we have a special guest, Pete Hara, president and CEO of the United way of the Plains who is raising money. For this coaching for literacy game to help kids K through third grade in title one schools.

Pete. Thanks for joining.

Pete Najera: Yes, Dustin.

Dustin Kuhn: I didn't realize that last year, Wichita state won this coaching for literacy challenge. And so far, I've already raised over $6,000 for the cause. Number one in the country, Ohio state in SMU, right on the heels of the shocker nation here. But tell us a little bit about this game, the United ways participation and kind of how all this has come together.

Pete Najera: Yes. yeah. Thank you very much for having me. so coaching for literacy is a national non-profit based in Memphis, Tennessee, and it has partnerships with over 40 universities across the country, which a tough state being one. And. Teams have agreed to promote, childhood literacy. it's such an important, topic today to ensure our kids are able to read.

we are very grateful to, the Wichita state men's basketball team for agreeing to host a game in the name of childhood literacy to raise awareness and its community. And, as you mentioned, we're really proud that shocker nation last year stood up and gave what they could to support the shockers who, all the money they raised, they donated to the United way so that we could invest in the children right here in our local community to, to make sure they could read.

Pete Najera: And as you mentioned, we're leading right now in the country. We were behind SMU. And I loved that. We beat them this weekend and then we surpassed them on the leaderboard and giving, proving that our community, they aren't just great basketball fans, but they have big hearts as well.

Dustin Kuhn: I've mentioned 6,000 has been raised already. 28,000 was raised by shocker nation. Last year. I believe the first 5,000 raised is being matched and give our listeners an idea of the type of programs that this will be supporting in the community.

Pete Najera: That's right. So, the money we raised, where we've announced that we're going to invest. K through third grade students in 14 different title, one elementary schools that are in and around shocker neighborhood, the surrounding area of campus. we do that because, between the ages of kindergarten to third grade, we all know children are learning how to read after third grade, they read to learn.

So if they never master the basic skills of reading, It becomes very difficult for them to achieve their human potential from fourth grade to 12th grade. And so we're buying books and supplies for these children or buying books. With characters that look like the demographic. These are largely BiPAP communities in Wichita.

And so we need characters that look like them. And then we also are using some of the money to support our tutoring programs. We have a very successful read to succeed program. And half of these schools with over 400 volunteers who are partnered with a third grader who may be reading below. But by the end of third grade, they're reading above grade level.

And so really we're really proud of that program.

Dustin Kuhn: As far as the website to be able to donate what, what would that.

Pete Najera: That's right. We've tailored a special website. They will take you right to the landing page, the shocker landing page it's www dot United way. playing.org/literacy.

Dustin Kuhn: United way plains.org/literacy. The neat thing about this is it's been a grassroots effort. I was on the website this after day, or excuse me this afternoon. And folks were donating $20, $40, whatever they can. And you can also. Semis message in there. So I think it'd be pretty neat if some of our listeners could go on and say, Hey, I heard you on the podcast and, and want to contribute to the cause.

Pete Najera: That would be great. I love going through that list. Seeing the messages people have been leaving and you're right, this is about a lot of community participation, small dollars together to make a large impact in which.

Dustin Kuhn: Is [00:30:00] there a goal overall for, for this year's campaign?

Pete Najera: There is, well, obviously we want to beat the $28,000 we raised last year. and if we can get to the $30,000 level, we're going to be able to buy two books for every child in these 14 elementary schools, K through three, which are 3000 students, 3000 students, they're going to get two books right before this.

Dustin Kuhn: I think everyone in our communities impacted one way or the other by the United way, but just for our listeners, maybe give us an idea of what other areas, the organizations working on.

Pete Najera: That's right. we, we do focus on education, which we've talked about him, the show, but we also have big programs and. Workforce stability and basic needs. We do contribute a lot of money into homeless shelters, food pantries, on financial security. We're investing in workforce development, a new program to help, low-income families get safe bank accounts.

So they're not, victims of predatory lending. And then under. doing a lot of work with Delta dental on providing dental care to the uninsured. We're looking at other health equity issues around,food programs to address the food deserts of Wichita. It's such a caring community. here.

Gives us their time, talent, and treasure, so that we can help this region achieve its potential. I'm so excited to be in this position and I love working with our community to advance the common.

Dustin Kuhn: We appreciate the work you do, Pete, but you're also a big shocker basketball fan. I see at Coca Rena all season long. So give us a little bit on your thoughts here at team seems to be kind of turning the corner, hopefully what that big win over SMU. Do you have a favorite player or kind of, what are your thoughts on the team?

Pete Najera: I love the team. I have not seen such an athletic team in a long, long time. And you don't see teams play defense like Wichita state does. And then that's, what's going to win championships. really I'm impressed with athleticism of Dexter, Dennis, that everybody talks about. Ricky council really showed us what he could do with that windmill that brought down the house.

and I mean, when Tyson is hitting from beyond the arc, there's no more exciting player in the country. Then watching him shoot three pointers. And so I love the way the teams developing coach brown seems to be finding his, his legs here with this team. And I think we're going to make a really good run down the street.

Dustin Kuhn: IB, I believe. Will it be wearing green on the day of the game for the coaching for later?

Pete Najera: He will be wearing a green wristband and a green lapel pin back in the day, they would wear the green tie, but nowadays everybody's wearing athletic gear on the sidelines. And so in both teams, should be wearing the green. So, look out for that and I hope it motivates everybody to go online and give a few dollars on behalf of the shocker basketball.

Dustin Kuhn: I did notice out of the 40 schools participating. There's a big footprint from the American athletic conference. We already talked about SMU in Wichita state. Memphis has a, a program going on, so it's nice to see the conference overall state.

Pete Najera: That's right, Houston as well. And so, we're real excited to be leading here in the fundraising to give back to our community. And I'm sure after a few more games, we'll be leading in the conference on, on windows.

Dustin Kuhn: United way plains.org/literacy, go to the website, donate anything you can. We really appreciate the work you're doing in the community, Pete, and thanks for being such a big shock.

Pete Najera: Yeah, thank you for having me.

Dustin Kuhn: Our thanks again to Pete, the Hara president and CEO of the United way of the Plains for joining us. The coaching for literacy game is Saturday against USF. You've already alluded to this Taylor, but the bulls are really struggling. Six and 14 on the year, one and seven in conference, they split with UC.

but that is their only conference when they're packing in a lot of games that they've had some postponements as well. They're going to play temple and Cincinnati this week before coming to Wichita on Saturday, kin Palm 2 46 and nice saying is shocker should be able to keep their home winning streak.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah. I mean, this is a game that, you know, what shots say, you know, w we've talked a lot about them finishing games or, you know, they shouldn't even have to. Finish this line of should be pretty comfortable throughout, you know, USF, you know, when I was doing my scouting coming into conferences and I was like, I just couldn't believe that, you know, this was the offensive.

They were choosing the, to build around. And it's pretty hard to believe, you know, Brian Gregory got an extension and, you know, I guess another complete rebuild job. And, it's pretty rare to see a coach get, you know, a second chance to completely tear it down and start, start fresh. But you know, this often.

about as, as bad as it gets, you know, last in the, in the conference, you know, only scoring 0.8, six [00:35:00] on average, points per possession, which is just horrendous. not a very good shooting team. They turn it over to. And, you know, their best player, you know, Kayla Murphy, all he does is, you know, shoot really, really tough contested two point jumpers.

Taylor Eldridge: And I just not a good source of often. And, you know, he, he, he's only made a one, three on the whole season and, you know, it's just tough to, to build an offense around someone like that, who just, you know, there's no three point threat and, and, you know, it just, relied so much on the two point jumpers.

So yeah, this is the game that wish. you know, not, you know, it's unspoken that they have to have it, but you know, more importantly, they need a play well, and, you know, you know, continue to build the momentum, especially if they're able to get a win on the road. At UCF, you're going to be feeling good.

That's a three game winning streak and they have a three game streak at Coker arena. So I, you know, more importantly, you know, outside of just winning, I think, you know, you should look for what shall I say to, to potentially win that game by 20 plus at least, you know, double digit. and employee well on offense, play well on defense and maybe not get right game, but definitely a confidence builder game for Wichita state to continue and keep the ball rolling in.

Dustin Kuhn: And get a lot of the guys that maybe don't get a whole lot of minutes in.

there. Like a Jenkins podo can play a lot, because that next week is tough. You're at Cincinnati and then you're home against you. So, you know, keep, keep a little wear and tear off of those legs and, and, clear the bench out.

Your, as far as the bulls offense is concerned, 37% from the field 24% from three scoring in the fifties. So not much to say about this one, other than you got to take care of this.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah, absolutely. Like I said, you know, I thought, I think I had UCF tags at 11 and then full foot 10, coming in to the conference. I didn't see much to like on either of those teams, offices. And, we're kind of seeing that play out so far this year. you know, I, I didn't see two lanes, you know, this, this strong of a star or temple.

Those are the two teams that really, really surprised me, but, you know, two teams that I felt like, you know, to, you know, that famous quote they are, who we thought they were, you know, Tulsa, Tulsa, USF, you know, at least told us is in competitive. And, you know, they took Houston down. The stretch, had a shot in the air at a, when it, we haven't seen that with USF though.

You know, they'd been blown out in a lot of these AAC games and, you know, a lot of 20 point loss, a lot of 30 point losses. So, you know, this is again that were shot state needs, not only to win, but to play well. And, and like you said, get some young guys in there and really get a confidence building, you know, 15, 20, 40.

Dustin Kuhn: It's too bad. We don't play them twice. And, I guess, if the goal is, if you can't quite get up to fifth place, well, then let's just be sick so we can play them on Thursday and not, not work too hard down there.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah. I mean, that would be, yeah, it is interesting too. You know, if you work so hard to get that four or five and you get the buy, but then the trade-off is, you know, you get the buy in and then you play a, you know, a pretty good team. The first round of the quarterback. And then if you win that one, now you're faced with Houston.

So it's like, you know, Houston is by far, you know, on a tear of itself. So I think, you know, who knows, you know, maybe it is better to be the sixth and then, you know, play that first game and, you know, play USF. But like you said, not much of a. But, you know, what it does do is get you on the other side of the bracket and then you're going to be playing a, you know, an SMU on the second round or, or maybe, you know, like two lane or temple, you know, one of those teams, you know, who wish I'll say should feel confident that they can beat those teams, even though two lanes swept them, you know, obviously the shockers, you know, Gave those games away, they feel like, you know, 95% chance to win and both of those games.

So, that is going to be curious, you know, we'll talk more about that, you know, as, as the conference tournament rolls around, but, you know, you know, WSUS like NCAA tournament hopes likely lie, you know, and winning that, that tournament in Fort worth. So the best chance to do. It's probably not a play Houston until the finals, but you know, obviously you're going to have to beat them, to go anyways.

So they might not care, but th that, that would be a nice little benefit to wait until the final data to deployed them. So, like I said, we'll talk more about it as the season gets closer or the post-season gets closer, but something to keep in mind, you know, as they chase that four or five, first round.

Dustin Kuhn: I appreciate you saying likely, but let's call a spade a spade. It is the only way they make the NCAA term is by winning the conference in Fort worth. And here's my bold prediction. I want to lane, I want my sweet revenge onto lane. So hopefully they get a play him and knocking them out of the conference.

tournament would be a pretty nice. A little feather in your cap. So buy or sell time per producer, Brian.

Producer Bryan: Well, we haven't mentioned it yet. Fred van fleet gets his first all [00:40:00] star nod in the NBA. Well-deserved having the best season of his career so far by herself. Fred ends his career with four or more. All-star nods. Let's start with.

I'll probably sell that just because it's, you know, so soft, to make it in the Eastern conference, you know, a lot of injuries happen this year to kind of open the doors and, you know, obviously Fred played incredible, but I think a lot of things have to go right. Just for him to, to get back there a second time.

so I'll, I'll sell that, but you know, hopefully hopefully more, I'd love to go back. I'm going to be able to go out there next week and in Cleveland. So that's going to be a lot of fun. the three-point contest now. So, hopefully have, some coverage coming, on cannes.com with, Fred and also.

Dustin Kuhn: So happy for Fred also got engaged over the weekend and you know, he's he's living life right now. I'm going to sell that as well. Although once you make one And you're kind of, your name is in there and plus doing the three point shooting contest, I think that'll at least help them with the fan vote. a little bit. I'm not sure if he'll be able to make four, but I think he's.

at least got another one or two in store

Producer Bryan: All right. One of the things I've noticed Wichita state seems to get a lead. And as soon as they do, the other team feels a little pressure to try and speed WSU up. They bring out a full court press, and it almost seems like that pressure slows WSU down in that they are not looking for those opportunities to capitalize on the extended defense.

You know, they, they take all 10 seconds to get it across the timeline. Almost every time we saw. Failed to do it several times in their last game. And so with that in mind is the biggest opportunity for Wichita state to improve their offense, to become more aggressive. When the opponent brings that pressure defense,

Dustin Kuhn: I'm going to sell that.

I just don't think the shockers are that great of an offensive team. And so they look a lot better when those three pointers are going in the basket, then they don't. I, it was nice to see them move the ball a little bit. more, but I, I think it's more just, you know, Not taking bad shots.

not taking four shots at the end of shot clocks that would improve their offensive play necessarily than, than anything that the opposing team's defense.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah, I guess, I guess I'll, I'll buy that just to be on the opposite side. And I think that is a huge opportunity for, for Wishaw state to add more, add more points, but, you know, as Dustin said, you know, we've seen them make careless mistakes when they get set up and they go on attack mode, you know, we saw what happened.

As a road, you know, a at two lane, you know, down the stretch where, you know, Ricky counsel, he goes in attack mode where it's probably better to, you know, just hold the ball, let them fail you. And he steps out of bounds. So, you know, we've seen, you know, some pretty low, I guess, basketball IQ plays down the stretch from what shot days.

So, you know, it's a little, you know, a little worrisome, but, you know, I, I do think that wish not state is leading points on the board. you know, we, we saw it a couple of times against that. If you, you know, The pressure and maybe have like a two on one or a three on two. And, instead of, you know, attacking that, they pulled it back out and we're happy to, you know, run clock and, you know, and I think they get maybe a little bit too passive, you know, playing with.

you know, like I said, I think it was probably a little bit too far blown, you know, the criticism of, you know, letting SMU back in that game, you know, the lead never caught below 10, you know, on a quality team, I guess, immune, you know, that's, that's pretty, pretty dang impressive to, to lead that team by double digits for the last 30 minutes and lead that team wired a wire.

Taylor Eldridge: So, you know, we're, should I say deserves some credit it's going in the right direction, but I do think they can probably score a few more points. Being a little more aggressive when they break that from.

Producer Bryan: All right. Tell it to me. Straight Taylor buyers sell Monzy needs more money.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah. I mean, I buy it. I I've, I've been pushing for that all season long, you know? I know obviously a plus minus is a, you know, flawed stat. It's not a, not an individual staff, but you know, at this point it's a lot of possessions and you know, it paints a picture of a, you know, generally what happens when a players on the floor and Monzy is by far the number one player.

you know, on Wichita state and plus minus, you know, good things happen typically when he's on the floor. and you know, he just makes stuff happen and you know, it, doesn't always, you know, I know he's going to have, you know, probably a turnover or an El vice shot, you know, he's going to do something that that's gonna make the coaches, you know, scream a little bit on the sideline, but, you know, I think it outweighs.

you know, all the, all of his positive employees far outweigh, you know, that one or two negative plays that he's going to have. And, you know, that's just the type of player that, that Monzy is, you know, you just have to, to live with those mistakes and, you know, hope that the positives outweigh the negatives.

Taylor Eldridge: And so far, you know, from what I've seen, you know, he's such a creative passer, and [00:45:00] he's very. Creating off the dribble. And, you know, we've seen it at times this year where he's able to break down the defense and he'll flip it, you know, one handed to the big man and the dunker spot and they'll get a foul or they'll, you know, miss that layup, you know, he's, he's had a lot of empty, you know, would be assist, you know, off the big guys, not being able to finish his past.

So I, I want to see him get more minutes. I think he deserves, you know, anywhere between 15 and 20, depending on the. And, you know, it's hard to say, you know, I think. You know, he, he, just the defensive intensity wanes a little bit, you know, he loses track of his man. Not always, you know, boxing out. It kind of relies on his athleticism just to go chase down balls so I can understand, you know, why he doesn't seem more planning time, but the man it's just like for a team that has struggled so much on offense this year, it feels like Monzy is just too, potent, too good of a Playmaker to be keeping on the bench.

You know, when you're struggling that much on the offense.

Dustin Kuhn: It's a little limited from a size perspective, but I love his effort. I love his energy. I love his swagger. He's the definition of a state player in my opinion. diving on the floor, getting the crowd excited. So I will also buy that.

Producer Bryan: All right. And finally, in the last game against SMU, we saw a bit of an improvement in the three point shooting, different guys, hitting shots.

Poteau Dexter, Dennis. Ricky. Council's been hitting at an excellent clip lately and we're starting to see Tyson shooting is coming back, which, which anybody knows he's a good shooter. Shooters are going to regress back to the mean over time. So buy or sell over the remainder of the season. Do you see Wichitas state as a team being a 33% or better?

Shooting team from the perimeter.

Dustin Kuhn: They shot a 38% against SMU. And, I think they left some shots out there. so yeah, I will buy that. I think 33% is attained.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah, I mean, 33 is a pretty low bar, for, you know, I think that's like, below the national average even. So, I'll buy that as well. you know, the Dexter Dennis shots, you know, they just have to start to fall. It just doesn't make much sense to me. Does it make sense for the coaches to deck. It's been so many wide open logs that just aren't falling.

And we've seen that in the past. it just seems like February is the month that it serves to click for him. And his season turns around. I haven't seen that yet. You haven't seen a super hot game from him yet. So maybe a Tuesday night at UCF that's really turned around, but I think 33, that's a pretty low bar.

And I think, which I'll say is capable of finishing that, from here.

Dustin Kuhn: All right. Well, another great show. We appreciate you joining. Down in Orlando. Taylor we'll have a good week here, UCF and USF. Remember the coaching for literacy game. You can go to United way plains.org/literacy. Our thanks again to Pete for joining the show. And, when we get on next week, you know, who knows, we might be talking about a six place team by that point.

Taylor Eldridge: Yeah, I mean, big week ahead for which stuff stayed, it feels like every one of these games down the stretch is going to be going to be huge. And, you know, the road games are going to be even more important. We've seen them turn it around at home now, you know, next up, you know, getting it done and.

Dustin Kuhn: We'll be looking for your work all weekLong@kansas.com. Follow him on Twitter at Taylor Eldridge. And don't forget to.

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