Wichita State forward Ricky Council IV joins the podcast to talk about his strong debut season and what’s next during spring and summer workouts. Council, a 6-foot-6 forward from Durham, N.C., averaged 7.1 points and 3.4 rebounds for the Shockers with a high game of 23 points vs. Cincinnati. He earned a spot on the American Athletic Conference’s all-freshman team. Council reminisces about backyard basketball with his older brothers and describes his affection for Kevin Durant and what the Shockers can learn from their NCAA Tournament experience.
Taylor Eldridge, a 2011 communications graduate from Wichita State, is the Shocker athletics beat writer for The Wichita Eagle, a position he has held since 2017. Eldridge joins the podcast to discuss his popular video breakdowns, how his job changed over the years and his advice for young journalists. He discusses the Shockers, the impact of Morris Udeze and Tyson Etienne’s rise. We wrap up by talking about his favorite stories, his favorite pickup basketball spots and how he handled the time-honored tradition of a sportswriter locked in a stadium late at night.
Shockers assistant Chester Nichols – a former pass-rushing defensive lineman – updates us on the 2020-21 season. He discusses Wichita State’s newcomers and leadership progress by returners such as Carla Bremaud and Seraphine Bastian. We wrap up with Nichols recommending some of his favorite books.
Emani Jenkins, Asia Strong, Rachel Johnson, Ene Adams and Shamaryah Duncan join the podcast to discuss their choice in uniform numbers, WNBA favorites, Halloween candies and teammates helping them adjust to college.
Wichita State freshmen Jaden Seymour, Chaunce Jenkins and Ricky Council IV and junior Trevin Wade discuss movie and TV recommendations, which Shocker veterans are guiding them, favorite NBA players and passing time during the pandemic.
Wichita State basketball newcomers Clarence Jackson, Craig Porter Jr., and Alterique Gilbert talk about their adjustment to the new program, flipping tractor tires to keep in shape, Gilbert’s experience as a make-you-miss running back, best shooters on the team and favorite TV shows.
Paul Miller and Ryan Martin of the 2005-06 Wichita State basketball team check in for updates and memories of that NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 season. Miller, the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, recalls the time a teammate neglected to wake him up on time and the importance of confidence to that team. Martin, a member of the MVC’s All-Bench team, talks about Miller’s 30-point performance in a win over Southern Illinois and the thoughts going through his mind before a dunk that sealed the NCAA win over Tennessee.
2005-06 – the season the Missouri Valley Conference beat the system and helped change college basketball. Four MVC teams in the NCAA Tournament – two in Sweet 16. No. 6 in RPI rankings and No. 7 in Ken Pomeroy. Lottery draft pick. Fifth and sixth seeds in MVC Tournament earn at-large bids. MVC commissioner Doug Elgin gets the drop on Billy Packer. Three journalists who covered that season – Paul Klee, Lyndal Scranton and Dave Reynolds – join the podcast to reminisce. Thanks to all who contributed their thoughts and research, including Mike Reis and Art Hains for audio.
Wichita State president Jay Golden talks sports – his love for the Dodgers, impressions of Shocker athletics and possible plans for adding varsity and club sports. What might be next for Cessna Stadium? What role does athletics play in the university mission?
