WKU Tips Off vs. Wichita St.

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WKU fans, rejoice – basketball season is less than 24 hours away! Shocking, isn’t it? (That’s the only one. I promise.)

The Tops have practiced, exhibited (narrowly escaped, mind you), traveled, and are now ready to get the 2013-2014 campaign underway against the Wichita State Shockers at midnight, which will kickoff  the four-letter’s 24 hour tip-off coverage.

Right off the bat, some unwanted news for the team, as Brandon Harris and O’Karo Akamune will be out of the lineup, which will leave the team shorthanded and put a much deeper roster to the test to begin with. One of the things Coach Harper talked about during media day was the depth, and how excited he was to see it. I’m excited too, just not when there will be a freshman starting point guard to go up against a Final Four team from last year in Brandon Price.

While one Price is looking to begin his collegiate career, the other one, T.J. Price (JR, as his jersey says this year) is looking to expound upon it. An All SBC 2nd team honoree and defending SBC Tournament Most Outstanding Player last season, T.J., as well as 2011 SBC Tourney MOP George Fant, truly look to be in leadership roles this year, and their experience will need to show early.

Kevin Kaspar and Caden Dickerson look to play this season continuously healthy, and Dickerson had a solid outing against Campbellsville, so Tops fans should hope he improves upon that tonight, and throughout the year.

If I had to pick a starting line up, right now I’d go – Fant, T.J. Price, Brandon Price, Rostov and Dickerson. With Rostov having a year under his belt, Harper can finally utilize the Center position. While it’d technically still be 3 guards, T.J. plays more of a small-forward position anyways, so it works.

The big bummer for Tops fans is that Trency Jackson and Chris-Harrison Docks can’t play until Dec. 14th. There already is a relief at point for Brandon Price in CHD and an explosive and exciting player, who will go along nicely with George and T.J., not to mention a healthy Harris, in the back-half of the season.

Tip-off is set for 12 CT (sorry Eastern friends, that’s 1 A.M. for you suckers), and will be on the Duce.

For thought’s throughout the game, make sure you’re following good ol @WaveTheRedTowel twitter.

Stand up and cheers. Roundball is here!