Simon Says – Wichita State Celebrates Seniors

(St. Louis, MO) – One of the first stories out of Wichita this past fall was that senior, walk-on John Robert Simon was going to be given a scholarship. At the annual Missouri Valley Conference media day, head coach Gregg Marshall wanted to talk about Simon as much as his hopes for the season, or how good pre-season all-conference player Markis McDuffie could be.

Tuesday night Simon and fellow senior Zach Bush played the final home games of their careers. Sure Wichita wanted to stay perfect in conference games on their home floor. Yes, they needed to keep the pressure on Illinois State for the Valley’s regular season title, but almost as important were the Shockers’ desire to see Simon and Bush go out with a bang.

How about BOOM, POW and BOING?!

WSU (26-4, 16-1) blasted Evansville 109-83 with six Shockers reaching double figures in scoring. It was the third triple digit performance of the season, as Shaquille Morris led the way wit 18 points, five rebounds and five assists.

But in the final 7:06 of this game before a sold out Koch Arena, the story was all about Simon and Bush. Marshall wanted to give his only two seniors ample time to play, and to be appreciated by the Shocker faithful.

The 6’6 Bush banked in a short jumper and Koch Arena went crazy, but it was Simon’s long distance flair that brought the house down.

The Oklahoma native, the owner of two three-point baskets this entire season, drilled a triple that set a Shocker team record (261 makes) for the season and WSU starters-turned towel waving bench players went nuts.

But there was more. Something divine was in the air.

“Golly, it still hasn’t hit me. I don’t really know what happened,” said Simon. “I think God took over my body and he made a miracle out there to finish out my last home game. It was pretty special.”

Simon buried two more long distance shots and it was over. The two seniors who have seen so much success as part-time players, were the ones getting the curtain calls and the adoration.

Marshall told goshockers.com it was a special night.

“Obviously, (it was a) big night.,” said Marshall. “Our seniors that have meant so much to our program, Zach Bush and J.R. Simon, were able to get some quality minutes, and both played extremely well in a win that was a little easier than I thought it would be.”

Bush who says everyone cleared out for his shot attempt, says it’s hard work to be a part of the Shocker program, but it is truly worth it.

“That was special. That made every hard day I’ve had here absolutely worth it, said Bush. “There’s been a lot of them. This isn’t a place where it’s easy. It’s the hard way here, and it shows that the hard way works because of how much we’ve won and what we’ve accomplished. It made it all worth it.”

Bush and Simon are hopeful their collective college careers continue deep into March, and that they get to witness a few more NCAA Tournament miracles.

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