(St. Louis, MO) – One of the nation’s best back-courts is returning in tact at Wichita State. This week all-Americans Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet announced they will return to the Shocker back-court for the 2015-16 season.
Both Baker and VanVleet investigated entering the NBA draft and after exploration chose to return to WSU with their Head Coach Gregg Marshall.
Ron Baker
Baker told goshockers.com “I spent a lot of time talking it over with Coach, my teammates and my family,” Baker said. “The reality is, I felt like any decision I made was going to be a good one. I think I’ll eventually be successful at the next level, but with what we have coming in and the people we have returning, including Fred VanVleet, next season has the potential to be very special. It’s been an amazing ride here at WSU, and my family and I aren’t quite ready for it to end.”
Both players were named to several all-American teams over the past two years. Both were All Missouri Valley Conference first teamers and were the top two scorers during the Shockers 30-5 season.
VanVleet told goshockers.com, “It’s been a good three years,” VanVleet said. “But now it’s time to finish what we started.”
Fred VanVleet
The all-time Shocker assist leader was the Valley’s Larry Bird Player of the Year in 2014 and returned as an all conference player this season. VanVleet ranked in the top ten nationally in assist-to-turnover ratio and has been the point guard for a team that has won at least 30 games in each of the last three seasons.
With the return of Marshall and his starting back-court, the Shockers will be the odds on favorite to win the MVC title for a third straight season. At least on national site has ranked Wichita State in the top ten in its offseason rankings for next season.
Baker and VanVleet are two of 33 projected returning starters from the Valley programs.
Do Good
Statistics Points Rebounds Assists 3-Pointers Steals
Baker 1,145 352 232 178 110
VanVleet 1,060 367 465 98 170
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