the
SUN FLOWER THURSDAY, JUNE 30 2016
ISSUE 122 VOLUME 2
New food excites guests at grand opening of food truck plaza | PAGE 3
THESUNFLOWER.COM
Sexton resigns after 26 years with WSU
Infographic by Madeline Deabler MARISSA CAMPBELL
OPINION EDITOR
@soupitup13
Eric Sexton started his career at Wichita State in 1987. And now, 26 years later, he is resigning. From student-athlete to athletic director and vice president of Student Affairs, Sexton has impacted the university in many ways. On June 16, his official resignation letter was released to University President John Bardo, Vice President and Provost Tony Vizzini and the public. “Although I found out a few days before it was made public, [Sexton’s] resignation was unforeseen and unexpected,”
Vizzini said. Sexton did not wish to comment any further about why he was leaving, but wrote in his letter that “it is time to pass the torch to others who can continue moving our university toward even higher levels of greatness.” Sexton worked in several positions for the university. He started as a student-athlete, on a golf scholarship, while working on a business degree. After receiving his degree in management in 1987, he went on to receive a master’s degree in public administration in 1992. He then left the university to pursue a doctorate at the University of Kansas, only to return to WSU for employment.
He started as the Director of Governmental Relations and the Board of Trustees to develop governmental relations strategies for the university. He also served on WSU’s Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization’s board of directors. Along with those roles, Sexton dabbled in serving as the executive director of the WSU Board of Trustees and taught several political science courses. Sexton’s last two positions were the Athletic Director, which he served as for seven years, and then added as the Vice President of Student Affairs, which later became his sole job. “Athletics is like a sub-culture of student affairs,” Vizzini said. “It was a fairly easy transition
period for Sexton to go from being the athletic director to being in charge of student affairs. Of course there are always hiccups in the process, but he was able to take on the position well.” The vice president of student affairs covers the non-academic portion of student lives. According to Vizzini, the position is intertwined amongst many other sub-categories. “The VP is in charge of student engagement, recreations, housing, the code of conduct, TRIO, and so much more,” Vizzini said. “There are a lot of different portions, which is why they report directly to me.” As interim VP of student affairs, Vizzini is currently
working on forming a committee of representatives from SGA, faculty, professors, support staff and many others in order to put an ad out by mid-August so the search for a new vice president can continue. The committee’s membership will be finalized this week. Vizzini hopes to have interviews started by September and a decision made by Nov. 1. After that, the goal is to have the new vice president begin by the start of 2017. Although Sexton has not detailed his reason for leaving the university, he has closed his resignation by stating that “the university is in good hands and moving in a positive direction.”
University announces addition of Westin Element Hotel to Innovation Campus TJ RIGG
REPORTER
@tj_rigg
have a lot of visitors who come into deal with the engineers who will be based on Innovation Campus,” Heldman said. Another demographic that will likely use the hotel the most, Heldman said, are corporate recruiters wanting to talk to students about jobs and internships. In addition, families of prospective students and parents of out-of-town students are likely to stay at the hotel. “If they’re from more than driving distance, and are flying in, they may well want to stay there,” Heldman said. “Think how great it’d be to stay on the campus you’re thinking about attending.” The 20-acre area reserved for
the hotel will be named Braeburn Square, in honor of the university golf course that operated there until closing in November 2014. Heldman said the Westin Hotel is the only concrete building planned for that area, but more buildings will likely be built there as space allows. According to a news release from the university, Braeburn Square buildings will be privately financed without the use of student or public funds. Heldman said WSU will not own the hotel. “Wichita State, through the Wichita State Innovation Alliance, will get a fee for every occupied room night,” Heldman said.
Out-of-town visitors to Wichita State have only a few years left of only being able to choose a hotel that’s several miles from campus. The University announced construction of a 123-room Element hotel by Westin Hotels on campus earlier this month. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2017 on the corner of Oliver and 19th streets. 19th Street is a new street being built on the Innovation Campus. The hotel is expected be built in 18 months. “The hotel is a must-have for continued growth on campus,” said John Tomblin, vice president SEE HOTEL • PAGE 3 for research and technology transfer, in a statement. Lou Heldman, vice president for Strategic Communications, said the hotel will be open to the public, but will seek large groups of people more likely to stay in the hotel. One of those groups consists of business travelers visiting WSU. Several companies will be housed on the Innovation Campus, including Airbus Americas, and those companies expect to have visitors to campus Courtesy photo who will use the hotel, Heldman said. The 123-room by Westin Hotels is expected to begin construction spring of 2017. The plan outlines an 18-month construction process. “We think that (Airbus) will
A $60,000 report prepared by College Sports Solutions indicates a startup football program could cost the university tens of millions . Photo by Manny De Los Santos
No fireworks yet, WSU is ready to start talking football EVAN PFLUGRADT
EDITORIN-CHIEF
@evpflu
football program. The $60,000 report – originated in December at the request of WSU President John Bardo – uses four case studies to detail the steps necessary, if WSU decides to pursue the project. “This is turning opinionated conversation into educated conversation,” Boatright said. “Our intent is being transparent, and sharing everything we have with the community. “This has been studied many times in the last 30 years, but never as openly as Dr. Bardo has chosen to make this.”
There’s no fireworks, no celebrations. But Wichita State is ready to start talking football. The conversation started nearly 30 years ago – in 1987 – but the conversation, as noted by Darron Boatright, took a serious turn four years ago. And four months ago, it took an even more serious one. Monday, the university released the “Football Benchmarking Analysis,” a 69-page report naming a price tag on bringing WSU a Division I SEE FOOTBALL • PAGE 3
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Thursday, June 30
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STAFF EDITORIAL
Chance of potholes in the I-35 corridor plan Sunday President John Bardo published an Op-Ed in the Wichita Eagle explaining the university’s I-35 corridor strategy to the city. Essentially, the I-35 corridor strategy will grant in-state tuition to out-of-state students from Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri. The justification for this plan, as presented, is that it will attract students from such “regional hubs” as Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Dallas-Fort Worth and Kansas City, Mo., to Wichita for college, with the implication that “20 to 35 percent” will stay in the area after graduation “if jobs are available.” This increase of college degrees in the area — especially in engineering, health care and business —will then “enhance the ability of south-central Kansas to compete in the global economy.” Which sounds great. This justification, of course, is necessary to present to every day Kansans, as this plan will essentially require taxpaying Kansans to subsidize the education of out-of-state students. If the plan works, it will no doubt improve the city. But it is the opinion of The Sunflower that this plan, while well intended, might be a bumpy turn for the university and the city. The Pros Wichita State has recently seen a valley in enrollment. From Fall 2012 to Spring 2016, total student credit hours have decreased by almost 9 percent. In that same timeframe, on-campus credit hours have
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2006 to 2016, the cost of tuition and fees at Wichita State increased by 78 percent. If it weren’t for off-campus options — including online classes — WSU would have missed out on more than $5 million of tuition money last spring. While The Sunflower agrees with President Bardo that “tuition policy is an important component of WSU’s strategy to increase network linkages between Wichita and the nearby economic hubs,” it is of the utmost importance that tuition policy responsibly reflects an increase in value of education, rather than an increased need of the university. The I-35 corridor will help address the increased need for students and tuition money for the university. One possible threat to the increase of out-of-state students on campus is Wichita State’s increased online presence. Wichita State’s online program charges resident tuition rates — with increased student fees — to distance learners. Wichita State began offering 100-percent online degrees in Fall 2014. That meant students, for the first time, could earn a degree from WSU without ever stepping foot on campus. Last year, the university expanded its online degree options to 16 fully online programs. “We would love to see that number grow,” said Mark Porcaro, executive director of online learning at WSU. Porcaro said an
increase in distance-learning programs is part of the seven goals of the WSU strategic plan. The goal to increase online options while at the same time trying to draw students from out of state seems to be at odds. Looking at the past year, which admittedly cannot be used as a true representation of trend, it seems it could prove problematic in the future. As the number of distance learning options continues to rise, it seems the number of students on campus will decrease, as it did last year, while credit earned off campus increased. Given the choice between earning a degree from home in Missouri, Oklahoma, or Texas or on campus for a similar price — excluding housing — what will these prospective students choose? Bardo, in his letter, said of Wichita “our region’s current economic situation is not sustainable over the long run, and it is not serving the people well.” It is The Sunflower’s concern that establishing an “I-35 corridor” at the same time as increased distance-learning degree options, in the long run, may not be entirely sustainable, from a regional economic standpoint. The plan will no doubt increase enrollment in a time of need. But whether the plan will bring more people to Wichita remains to be seen. The Sunflower hopes this is a “Positive Risk” and not simply a “Seized Opportunity.” — The Sunflower Editorial Board
Sodexo worker brings love, mercy to those in need ANDREW LINNABARY
CLASSIFIEDS
decreased by 23 percent — 36,681 hours. If students from Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas City, Mo., come to campus, they could help make up for the recent shortfall. Increased enrollment means more tuition money coming into the university, which could empower the university to offer faculty raises and increase funding to departments who have been hurting under the recent circumstances. These new students could fill the empty rooms at Shocker Hall and — possibly — live in the new student-housing option on Innovation Campus that is being studied by the university. Out-of-state students would unquestionably fulfill one of the values set out in the Strategic Plan Initiative: “Diversity of culture, thought, and experience.” “If Wichita State can regularly draw students from all along the I-35 corridor,” Bardo wrote, “both the university and the regional economy will benefit.” The regional economy will benefit from “increasing workforce capacity” and the university will benefit from increased enrollment. But all of these positive aspects operate on one primary assumption: that these students from out of state will actually step foot on Wichita State’s campus. Possible Cons The cost of tuition and fees across the country has skyrocketed with the availability of student loans. Between academic years
MANAGING EDITOR
@linnabary
At many homeless shelters or soup shops, there is only one plate allowed to patrons. At Carmen Garcia’s homeless ministry, there is no limit. “This lady I know says, ‘I don’t have any food in my house, can I have some extra?’” Garcia said. “To me, it’s no problem.” Carmen Garcia has worked for Sodexo at Wichita State for nine years, currently as a supervisor at a Taco Bell. The last two years she has spent her spare time helping the homeless and those in need at her ministry, Love and Mercy. “We do everything by love and through the mercy of God,” Garcia said. Garcia’s ministry sets up tents and tables every three weeks in the parking lot of Saint Joseph church at the intersection of Third and Topeka streets. During the winter, the ministry sets up every two weeks. Love and Mercy’s next event is Saturday. “We’re going to do hamburgers and hot dogs, chips, Kool-Aid and sweet tea,” Garcia said. “Some people are going to donate hot dogs, others hamburgers. I just buy whatever people don’t donate.” Garcia started the service on
Thanksgiving Day 2014. “That’s a good day to start it,” Garcia said. “You can share with others. That was my thing about starting this ministry.” Garcia said her team consists of her, her four children and some of her coworkers for around a 10-person team. They set up at 8 a.m. and start serving an hour later. Garcia said they never make it past 11 a.m., running out of food before then. Garcia’s daughter Avette Zamora said she has never seen anyone take as much time and care with helping others as her mother. “She stays up until two or three in the morning, wakes up really early the next day and makes sure the coffee and juice is ready or the food is warm, that nothing’s wrong,” Zamora said. “She wants to make sure everything is good, not just mediocre or anything like that.” Angel Zamora, Garcia’s son, said many people feel obligated or want something in return for their help; he said his mom is a different case. “We’re not funded,” Zamora said. “Everything is out of pocket, so there’s more of an actual ‘want to be there’ attitude.” Garcia said the family and personal aspect of Love and Mercy
Courtesy photo
Love and Mercy workers hand out food to the hungry during one of their ministry services.
helps strengthen the outreach of her patrons. “People feel like we love them and we care about them,” Garcia. “They come to us and say, ‘Can you pray for me? Because I have this problem or I have this pain.’ So they know we care about them.” Garcia said she was first inspired by her mother, who owned a restaurant when Garcia was a child in El Salvador.
“Everybody knew my mom had leftovers of food,” Garcia said. “If she had some soup left over she’d give out. She also raised up kids that weren’t hers. She raised 10 kids as her own. So I got that from her.” Garcia said she is undeterred by the fact that she can’t help everyone in need. “We don’t need to change the world,” Garcia said. “We need to change one person at a time.”
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FOOTBALL
FROM PAGE 1
Boatright said the project would impact a lot of people, extending well past the boundaries of WSU’s campus. And that’s why they’re calling on the opinions of the public – where comments can be suggested online. “This affects every facet of the community,” he said. As Boatright notes, this is not a moment for celebration. But they’re hoping this report will be a breakthrough to where they can engage the public with actual numbers and share a rough idea of what the ancillary benefits may be. Boatright said the community will view the project differently this time around because they will be engaged in the process. Initially when Bardo first came to the college four years ago, he addressed the matter, saying “not now.” But Boatright looks out the windows of Koch Arena, gazing at Shocker Hall, and the dirtpaved land soon-to-house additions to Innovation Campus; he considers it the right time to start approaching such a project. “It came to a point where some of the needs were met, and Bardo put a check in the box on those projects, then the community conversation switched to football,” Boatright said. “In December, Bardo came to a point where he was ready to address it.” Boatright said he sees the campus to be at a point of growth. The project, however, is only in the beginning phases. And the timeline, if the project is adopted, could be as long as six years down the road. The plan details a five-year operation from announcement to first game. As Boatright stated, the opportunity for revenue won’t exist for some time. “You don’t necessarily look into a project like this to make profits and losses equal,” Boatright said. “It’s much greater than that. “There would be great expenses to make this work.” In fact, the plan details as much as $40 million for a
THURSDAY, JUNE 30 2016 startup facility and a startup of budget of $6 million annually. The plan looks at renovating Cessna Stadium, which from a construction standpoint hasn’t been touched in more than 30 years. To get the building up to compliance with the American’s with Disabilities Act, it would require a facelift of more than $28 million. Boatright claims the “bare bones” of Cessna are stable enough to give them the opportunity to enhance it. “If you gave me a $28 million facelift, I’d look a lot better, too,” Boatright said. The plan details new elevator systems, new press boxes, and possibly the addition of suites. In addition, the plan calls for a practice facility that would also hold offices. Boatright said WSU has the luxury of space in the Innovation Campus division of campus. “A lot of ideas have been bantering around,” Boatright said. “[The facility] would be very close to campus, if not on campus.” Boatright said despite the money questions and concerns, the vision remains for WSU changing the freshman experience. “A lot of decisions are made in the first six to eight weeks of a freshman’s experience on campus,” he said. “We’re looking at ways to enhance their experience on campus, and keep their feet on the ground in Wichita.” WSU currently has one of the lowest freshman retention ratings in the state. According to reports Boatright has read, the first two months lay the groundwork for what he claims impact not only the four to five years they spend in college, but also the rest of their lives. “We will evaluate how this might affect the student life on campus as well as the entertainment value off campus,” Boatright said. “We want to be keeping people here in town, bringing new people to campus and bringing people back to town. The goal is getting people to spend their dollars in our community.” Bardo, who is on vacation this week, will evaluate the report along with the athletic department in the coming months. There is no set timeline for what’s next.
PAGE 3 | NEWS
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Photos by Manny De Los Santos 1. President John Bardo and his wife, Deborah, enjoy a sandwhich during the grand opening of the WSU Food Truck Plaza. 2. Political science major Ayron Lewallen adds flavoring to his shaved ice dessert . 3. Hamburgers and sandwiches are one of many items available at the WSU Food Truck Plaza 4. Matt Young, co-owner of Kona-Ice, hands a customer a shaved ice dessert during the grand opening of the WSU Food Truck Plaza. The plaza is located at the intersection of Wheatshocker Drive and Perimeter Road. Its hours of operation are Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Illustration by Madeline Deabler
HOTEL
FROM PAGE 1 “That money will then go into maintenance of Innovation Campus.” In addition to convenience to visitors having a hotel on campus, Heldman said Element hotels are built and operated with environmental consciousness. “They have a very modern design,” Heldman said. “There’s a freshness to it that’s really appealing.” Element by Westin Hotels have about 60 hotels in operation or planned in the U.S. and Canada, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The nearest locations
to Wichita are in Omaha, Dallas and Denver. The first two buildings on Innovation Campus, the Experiential Engineering Building and the Airbus Americas Partnership Building, are under construction and will be completed this fall. Heldman said the buildings will not be ready for the fall semester, but will be in full use next spring. In a statement, University President John Bardo said Innovation Campus is more than adding new buildings to campus. “At its heart, the Innovation Campus isn’t about buildings,” Bardo said. “It’s about creating an environment for applied learning and research to stimulate and grow the Kansas economy.”
New lunch options make permanent pit stop at WSU ALEX BULLOCK
REPORTER
@alexbullock_wsu
When you find yourself walking through campus these days you might smell something different. It’s not the smell of exhaust from the busses, or anything like that. It’s the aroma of fresh gourmet food being served up from the food trucks at the new Food Truck Plaza. The Food Truck Plaza had its grand opening on the edge of WSU’s new Innovation Campus earlier this month. The plaza location is next to the Airbus Americas engineering office and Experiential Engineering building and GoCreate makerspace at the intersection of Wheatshocker Drive and Perimeter Road. The plaza is open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“I’ve been so excited about the plaza since I heard it was coming to Wichita State,” junior Breana Ward said. “I always try to go to the food trucks at the fountain downtown, so it’s going to be so nice to have them so close on campus everyday.” The plaza has four new stalls for trucks to park at daily on campus. In addition to the four stalls, there is a new sidewalk, lighting and tables for students and faculty to enjoy their truck treats at. Charlie Cushenberry, owner of a staple Wichita food truck, Charlie’s Pizza Taco, is a member of the Wichita Food Truck Coalition, along with most other food truck owners in Wichita. “We have meetings once a month, and when this was brought to the table, it was a no brainer,” he said.
Along with Charlie’s Pizza Taco, some of the other names in the food truck community are Brickhouse BBQ, Brown Box Bakery, B.S. Sandwich Press, the Flying Stove, Funky Monkey Munchies, Garden of Eatin’. Others will come, too. One of the newest food trucks in Wichita, Uno Mas, is also an addition to the list. Abel Rodriguez, sous chef at Chester’s Chophouse, created this gourmet taco truck. “We are known for our gourmet tacos and slow cooked meats,” Rodriguez said. As far as pricing goes, WSU students, faculty and staff can purchase a full meal for less than $10. Uno Mas offers Ala Carte tacos, fries and other treats. Trucks such as Charlie’s Pizza Tacos offer meal deals that include chips and a drink.
PAGE 4 | SPORTS
www.thesunflower.com
THURSDAY, JUNE 30 2016
Kemnitz steps down, Shockers hire Mike Steele as new pitching coach Matt Hopper
REPORTER
@the_hopper96
Brent Kemnitz, longtime Wichita State pitching coach, stepped down as pitching coach of the Shocker baseball team on June 6 after 38 seasons. “We are thankful for everything he has given to the program and that he will continue working with Wichita State,” Head Coach Todd Butler said in a news release. Mike Steele of Long Beach State was named the new pitching coach for WSU on June 18. “I am excited to add Mike Steele as our new pitching coach,” Butler said. “Mike has done an incredible job the last two years at Long Beach State. The fact that Mike has coached at both the collegiate and professional levels will make an immediate impact to our pitchers and program.” Kemnitz became part of the Shockers staff in 1979 at 21-yearsold under former head coach Gene Stephenson. While head of the pitching staff, WSU led all NCAA Division I teams in ERA twice. He coached the 1982 staff
to an NCAA record 46 complete games and a 2.53 ERA, while the 1991 pitching staff led all NCAA teams with a 2.91 ERA. Under Kemnitz, WSU pitchers have been drafted in the first round. Sixteen pitchers have made it to the major leagues. Kemnitz looks forward to a new role in the Shockers program. “I’m excited for the future of Shocker baseball with Todd Butler, and that I was able to bridge the gap between head coaches,” Kemnitz said in a news release. “I think my role has been fulfilled and I look forward to working with the program in another capacity.” No title or description has been given. Steele’s résumé begins with his own pitching career. He was drafted in the 29th round of the 2000 MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers. The three-time minor league All-Star retired in 2005, and spent the following two years as Michigan State’s pitching coach. In 2008, he began a seven-year
term with the Pittsburgh Pirate’s organization; six of those years were as a minor league pitching coach with three of the Pirates minor league teams. During his time with the Pirates, he guided the arms of Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon in the minor league. Steele has spent the last two seasons with the LBSU Dirtbags. In his first year, Steele led Chris Mathewson to Big West Freshman Pitcher of the Year and Freshman All-America honors. Mathewson finished with a 1.94 ERA and, with the help of Darren McCaughan, threw Long Beach State’s first no-hitter in history on March 1, 2015. In his second season with LBSU, McCaughan won Big West Pitcher of the Year. Steele’s staff finished with a 3.17 ERA that helped earn the Dirtbags a spot in the 2016 NCAA Regionals. Three of Steele’s pitchers were drafted in the 2016 MLB Draft, including first team all-Big West selection Austin McGeorge in the 7th round.
Photo by Manny De Los Santos
(Lower) WSU assistant coach Brent Kemnitz hugs pitcher Cale Elam in the bullpen at the finish of the Shockers’ regular-season at Eck Stadium.
Steele’s move to Wichita brings him closer to his family in the Midwest. “I am extremely grateful to Coach Butler for giving me the opportunity at Wichita State,” Steele stated in a news release.
“The job that he and Coach Walker have done with recruiting is by far one of the most impressive things I’ve seen.” Steele inherits a WSU pitching staff that recorded a 5.97 ERA last season under Kemnitz.
Baker, VanVleet go undrafted, sign Summer League contracts GRANT COHEN
SPORTS EDITOR
@gforce4preach
File photo by Manny De Los Santos Former Wichita State shooting guard, Ron Baker, shoots a free throw during the second round of the NCAA Tournament in Providence, Rhode Island.
Last Thursday’s NBA draft did not go as planned for former All-American Wichita State guards Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet. Both went undrafted through 60 picks, but they were not shutout of NBA contracts. Baker signed a partially guaranteed one-year contract with the New York Knicks hours after the draft. The guard from Scott City will play with the Knicks’ Summer League team in Orlando, July 2 through the 8th and will also be invited to the team’s training camp in October. While Baker will be paid at least $100,000, he will have to compete to be selected to Knicks’ final 15-man roster at the end of the preseason. Former WSU forward Cleanthony Early will team up with Baker on the Knicks’ summer league team, signing
a one-year contract extension after being a restricted free agent. New York is known for signing former Shocker players, first starting by drafting forward Dave Stallworth with the third overall pick in the 1965 draft after the conclusion of WSU’s first Final Four. Stallworth played for New York from 1965-1972, playing on the 1970 NBA Championship team with former WSU teammate Nate Bowman. Averaging 16 minutes a game, Stallworth was a productive player coming off the bench during the Knicks’ title run, averaging 7.7 points and four rebounds per game. VanVleet was offered to be drafted with a second round pick in the NBA draft by two NBA teams, with the expectation that he would play on their Developmental League affiliate for a salary of $20,000, according to the Rockford Register.
The Toronto Raptors signed VanVleet to their Summer League team that will compete in Las Vegas July 8-18. Since VanVleet is not under contract by the Raptors, any team can sign him upon completion of the NBA Summer League, if Toronto chooses not to invite VanVleet to training camp. Baker and Early start Summer League play with the Knicks in Orlando on July 2 against the Detroit Pistons at the Amway Center’s Practice Court at 3 p.m. EST. Games will not be open to the public because of limited seating, but all of the games can be viewed on NBA TV. VanVleet will take the court with the Raptors in Las Vegas starting on July 8 against the Sacramento Kings at the Cox Pavilion at 10 p.m. EST. Tickets are on sale through NBATickets.com and the games will be televised on NBA TV.
Former Shocker duo look to upstart professional careers When Wichita State reached the Final Four in 2013, Cleanthony Early COLUMN BY raised the NICK BEACH eyebrows of some NBA scouts after scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds in the national semifinal loss to Louisville. Point guard Fred VanVleet and shooting guard Ron Baker followed with three legendary years that would put them in the discussion of competing at the pro level. After four seasons of setting a new standard for WSU basketball under the tutelage of Gregg
Marshall, the two young stars submitted their names to the NBA draft pool. For the majority of the 2015-2016 season and prior, Baker was highly expected to get picked, according to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman. VanVleet was often projected as a late second round pick throughout the season; his height hindering his chances. Both Wichita State stars went undrafted on Thursday June 23. Rumblings from pundits and a subpar performance from Baker at the NBA combine pointed to this happening. Minutes after the draft finished Baker signed a guaranteed one-year deal with the New
York Knicks. VanVleet could have been drafted in the late-second round, but he elected to take a different route — going undrafted and playing for the Toronto Raptors’ Summer League team. VanVleet didn’t want to be stashed in the NBA Development League for two years at a low salary for an okay chance to eventually make the NBA roster, according to a report from the Rockford Register Star . In theory, Baker has a better chance to make the NBA roster with his contract situation. And the Knicks are searching for talent. Toronto is becoming an
established threat with NBA All-Star guards Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan at the helm. Realistically, VanVleet making the Raptors is a bit of a long shot, but they are in search of a backup point guard for Lowry. If either player makes the NBA in their rookie campaign the question of minutes played will be tough to answer. Both guys have the potential to break into the scene. Especially with VanVleet having a very similar profile to the Boston Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas, of the University of Washington Baker has the potential to be similar to the likes of a Kirk Hinrich with a better knack for rebounding. He could be the
type of guy to stick around a long time in the league due to his strength and skillset. Baker and VanVleet have several skills useful to NBA teams. Both can shoot at a respectable level, pass well, and rebound very well for their size, not to mention being forces on defense playing for a nationally recognized defensive program for four years in college. They have a tough route to the big league. However, it’s feasible for a couple guys who have been taught to believe when many people doubt them. Eventually, Baker and VanVleet will play in the NBA. They have too much will and talent to be forgotten.