Brad Pittman, senior associate AD/facilities and operations at Wichita State University, prepares for us for the NCAA Tournament later this month at Intrust Bank Arena. We discuss the important dates and events surrounding the games in March. We also talk about how WSU and Wichita land NCAA events and plans for the next bidding cycle. The Basketball Tournament, the AfterShocks and the Elam Ending return to Koch Arena for a sixth time in July and Brad explains what’s new with that event. As a bonus – NCAA trivia from Wichita’s long history hosting March Madness and a brief look at construction projects on campus.
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.
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.
AfterShocks assistant coach Zach Bush updates us on how the team is shaping and Cleanthony Early’s role. Bush discusses his move to East Tennessee State and how he is transitioning from fun-loving athlete to coach.