Even with the changes in the AD seat, many close to the coaching staff felt like most of the recruiting would focus on future classes, with the majority of the major talent already down to their final handful of schools. In fact, outside of the persuit of Dwayne Roberts reported on last week the rest of the recruiting landscape was silent, and even he had in-state schools interested in his services. So it comes as some surprise today that the school announces not one but to verbal commitments from the current recruiting class.
Dwayne Roberts according to sources had 8 different times where the school contacted him within the last 3 to 4 weeks, including the most recent trip where the team made it’s final push to bring him into the fold. a 5’9” guard from West Swampscott High School MA, he has spent the last few years increasing his defensive game and his ability to control the ball. Shooting wise he has shown the ability to contribute to the production, and there are zero questions that he has the speed to manuver around the court to find the open spaces. The signing garnered limited media attention, with many neutrals pointing to his height as being a potential detriment to his ability to succeed as well as his development taking baby steps instead of giant leeps, but they also pointed out he has grown almost 4 inches in the last 18 months and it is possible that he grows to a more capable height by the time he makes his debut on the court for the Shockers.
The fanfare from the media was considerably higher for the second signing. Internal sources only note a single visit to Derrick Harley prior to his verbal commitment, which suggests that the Shockers really didn’t have to invest a ton to sell Harley on joining. Standing just over 6’1, Harley hails from Edison High School, on the outskirts of Louisville in Kentucky, having grown considerably over the last 18 months from 5’7 as a Sophomore. Like Roberts, he possesses decent defensive abilities and is extremely mobile on the court. Where he differs is a focus on shooting over the last few years of high school, he has improved leaps and bounds over the course of his HS career. Some of that may be felt in the change in philosophy, where he was really struggling to make the right decisions in a fast paced environment but once the offensive schemes shifted to a more moderate approach he bgan to flourish.
The AD nor the coach were available for public comment yet, as the school traditionally makes recruiting announcements at the end of the season, though a social media release was provided. “We’re off and running already towards 2037, #ShockTheSystem, #GoShockers”
The team on the court meanwhile has performed about as expected, with the first of the remaining 2 home games ending in defeat against a very strong and much larger Millsaps team and then a very convincing win on the road finale against the Indiana State Sycamores. The last game of the season is against the top seeded Illinois State Redbirds at home. Much like Millsap, Illinois State will have a few inches on most every player on the court, so it will be a tough ask for Wichita State to come out on top.