Jed Helker, fresh off his 8-kilometer win in the Greeno/Dirksen Invitational in Nebraska, talks about how he knocked 40 seconds off his personal best and why there is much optimism for the men’s cross country team. He discusses how the atmosphere at Wichita State attracted him as a recruit out of Oklahoma and coach Kirk Hunter’s blend of caring for his runners and pushing them. We also discuss how Oklahoma coach Hannah Fields, his older sister, influenced his running career and his motivations for considering coaching as a career.
Associate head coach Elizabeth Economon returns to the podcast to set up fall practices for the Shockers. We talk about recruiting with the momentum of 2021 behind the program, replacing key infield spots and how two transfers might fit in. We also discuss why shortstop Sydney McKinney hits all kind of pitches all over the field, pets of the Shockers and which softball player might offer the most interesting conversation at the softball dinner and auction on Sept. 25.
Mike O’Donnell, analyst for ESPN and CBS Sports, joins the podcast to talk about an interesting summer for the American Athletic Conference. He discusses why he thinks Wichita State’s Tyson Etienne is one of the nation’s top guards and his expectations for Dexter Dennis. He provides insight on newcomer Kenny Pohto and how he might help the Shockers with his I.Q. and shooting. O’Donnell also talks about Memphis’ big recruiting news, Houston’s consistent toughness and success and the additions that may boost SMU.
Garrett Bayliff, assistant strength and conditioning coach at Wichita State, joins us as fall baseball practices begin. Bayliff talks about his time as a Shocker outfielder and why the ups and downs of that experience motivated him to return to Wichita State. Bayliff discusses how strength training has changed and why nutrition and sleep are such important parts of his job. We wrap up with his view on how much the physical presence of this Shocker team has improved. As a bonus, he reveals the highlight of his time showing hogs as a 4-H member in Oklahoma and how growing up in Tuttle influenced his work ethic.
Wichita State coach Keitha Adams wraps up the summer with a look at the team’s six newcomers. She discusses how the Shockers devoted much of their summer to shooting and why she read through almost 800 pages of plays to keep her team unpredictable. Adams starts the podcast with anecdotes from her relationship with NCAA champion coach Don Haskins of UTEP. Why did Shockers DJ McCarty and Trajata Colbert finish last season strong? Adams hits that topic, as well.
Associate head coach Sean Carter gets us started on the 2021 season with his thoughts on a strong group of setters, the possible return to the 5-1 system and the potential at libero and defensive specialist that a 5-1 would highlight. Carter describes the American Athletic Conference race, Sophia Rohling’s next steps after an all-conference season and the depth at middle blocker.
Shocker coach Isaac Brown wraps up the summer with updates on his newcomers, Craig Porter’s strong workouts and how the NBA experience sets up the season for guard Tyson Etienne. He discusses Kenny Pohto’s summer with his national team, favorite restaurant and where he wants the Shockers to improve. Also, Twitter questions from fans.
AfterShocks coach Zach Bush joins the podcast to preview Saturday’s (11 a.m. on ESPN) game in The Basketball Tournament. He discusses Conner Frankamp’s joy, Markis McDuffie’s dance moves and Fred VanVleet’s coaching role from behind the bench. Bush also talks about roster moves entering the TBT quarterfinals, how his assistant coaches work together and a look at Florida TNT.
Clevin Hannah, Wichita State guard from 2008-10, joins the podcast in advance of Tuesday’s AfterShocks game (8 p.m.) in The Basketball Tournament. Hannah talks about his professional basketball career, the fans in Turkey that threw shoes at his team, and his adjustments to living away from family and friends early in his career. Hannah reminisces about his time as a Shocker and how his friendship with Ramon Clemente led him to Wichita State. Hannah describes how he become more responsible and more of a leader during that 2008-09 season. In his second season, he led the Shockers to a 25-win season and the NIT and he describes how the experience of that team led to success.
Andrew Zoldan is in his second year with the Inside TBT (@InsideTbt) podcast. He joins us to discuss the Wichita Regional, his interviews with AfterShocks GM Ron Baker and Wichita State coach Isaac Brown and the growth of The Basketball Tournament since its start in 2014. Zoldan breaks down some of the top teams in the Wichita Regional and players to watch from the AfterShocks, Team Arkansas, LA Cheaters and others in the field. We talk about the popularity of college alumni teams, such as those from Creighton, Kansas State and Oklahoma State that will also play in Koch Arena starting July 16. And, of course, we talk about the Elam Ending.
