Missouri Valley Conference report

SportsLine.com Report
April 5, 2000

In the paint

It looked like it was going to be a lost season for Wichita State when the Shockers dipped to 5-12 overall and 0-9 in the Missouri Valley Conference at the end of January. But they won six of their next seven to avoid a last-place finish.

Still, the bomb dropped March 5 when coach Randy Smithson announced his resignation after rumors WSU would be looking at a possible coaching change after the season.

Smithson was replaced on March 11 by Mark Turgeon, a native of Kansas who coached at Jacksonville State the past two years.

A glance at 2001

The emergence of guard Terrell Benton at the end of his sophomore season gives Wichita State a future star. Junior-college transfers Michael Phillips and O.J. Robinson definitely can provide more than they did in their first season at WSU.

Overall, six players return who started three or more games, so the Shockers have the tools to avoid any serious drop-off after losing All-MVC forward Jason Perez.

The coach

Smithson, a former player for Wichita State, never quite got the Shockers going. In four years, he recorded a 55-62 record.

Turgeon drew raves for his recruiting at Jacksonville State, though he was unable to take either of his teams to the Trans-American title, while going 25-29 in his two seasons.

Who'll be back

Benton played with great confidence down the stretch and finished averaging 12 points and made 51 3-point shots. It could be a solid backcourt with Benton and Phillips, who never quite found his niche with Carl Lemons still around.

The backcourt should be deep with Craig Steven and Jay Lewis also around. Up front, Robinson, Troy Mack and Willie Davis return, and the Shockers have some size and potential with 6-10 Mahrnord Martina.

Who's gone

The biggest hit is the loss of Perez and his 1,839 career points. His style and his demeanor also will be hard to replace.

Darrin Williams moves on after being an off-and-on starter for four years at forward. Lemons' departure leaves an opening at the point.