The AfterShocks, the hometown favorite and one of the most successful teams in TBT history are hoping to finally capture their championship.
The AfterShocks represent the city of Wichita well, making it out of the region and advancing to the semifinal in back-to-back years. However, they haven’t been able to get over the next hurdle, losing in the semifinals both times. This year, they get to host the regional again, but the focus isn’t just winning in Wichita, but finally winning it all.
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Current Roster:
- Alterique Gilbert (UConn & Wichita State)
- Caleb Walker (Nebraska)
- Conner Frankamp (Wichita State)
- Darral Willis (Wichita State)
- Jabari Narcis (UT Arlington)
- Jeremiah Martin (Memphis)
- Jordan Parks (NC Central)
- Markis McDuffie (Wichita State)
- Rashard Kelly (Wichita State)
- Trey Wade (UTEP, Wichita State, & Arkansas)
Coaching Staff:
- Garrett Stutz (Assistant Coach)
- JR Simon (Assistant Coach)
- Zach Bush (GM, Head Coach)
Region: Wichita
All-time Record: 11-4
First Matchup: vs. Midtown Prestige (July 20 at 1 p.m. on FS1)
Team MVP: Jeremiah Martin
Jeremiah Martin was a standout player for Beale Street Boys last year. He averaged 15 points per game in the two games. Martin will add another offensive weapon. While this AfterShocks team is playing small, it is quick. The five will be played by Willis or Wade. However, the issue with that for others is that the AfterShocks team is focusing on offense. These players can score in different ways and from all over the floor. Martin could open it up for McDuffie, Frankamp, Kelly, Wade, and others by locking in on one player.
Make-or-break Player: Markis McDuffie
Markis has shown that he can be a beast. He is the glue guy for this team and showcased that last year with a 9.5 PPG scoring average. Where he’ll need to be great is on defense. His presence is infectious, and if he’s bringing it, his teammates will as well. In the Aftershocks’ comeback against Martin’s Beale Street Boys last year, McDuffie led the team with 16 points and willed his team back. In the loss to Heartfire, he had just seven points, and the team struggled. While McDuffie won’t be the face of the team, his impact is just as big as anyone on the team, making him a crucial piece for the Aftershocks.
Team Outlook
As it has become accustomed, the AfterShocks retain the 1-seed as host of the Wichita Regional and home court advantage. These players have all played in this tournament. With the one “new” player from a team that played in Wichita last year, this team’s experience will be challenging to match. Cohesion will be there, and this team will be boosted. This team has the most wins in this region and the most games played. The experience here will be a considerable boost. They will start by facing a TBT first-time opponent, Midtown Prestige, a team with a former Shocker in Gus Okafor. The Midtown Prestige is a Wichita-based Minor-league franchise.
The next round could feature 4-seed Kansas State’s Alumni Team Purple Reign, led by Jacob Pullen, or Team Colorado. Then, it is a true toss-up. The 2-seed could face another Kansas team in Mass Street led by Frank Mason III. The chance to play three Kansas-based teams is fun. The Basketball Tournament added a twist as ticket sales will drive home floor advantage for the Quarterfinal between Wichita Region and Houston Region.
If you love a good atmosphere, this will be the team to watch. The home crowd also brings record energy during the TBT, and with those potential matchups against fellow Kansas teams, every game will be a must-watch. Is this the year that the Aftershocks finally break through and win it all? Time will tell, but with guys like Connor Frankamp, a TBT great on the squad, there’s always that chance.