AfterShocks | 7/17/2025 4:33:00 PM
By Paul Suellentrop
The AfterShocks still love all parts of their summer reunion – the Shocker fans, playing in Koch Arena, signing autographs, renewing friendships.
They also want to win and take home their share of The Basketball Tournament’s $1 million prize. After starting in 2019, and with a future that is uncertain, the AfterShocks want to give this TBT their best shot starting Friday at 8 p.m. vs. No Excuses in the Wichita Regional.
“I think this is probably our most talented group,” guard Conner Frankamp said after Tuesday’s practice. “If we can somehow come together and play together as a team, I think we have a great chance to make a good run.”
This summer, the added incentive is the clock ticking. The core group of former Shockers is dwindling. Many are approaching the final years of their professional basketball careers.
“I think there’s a sense of urgency,” AfterShocks coach Zach Bush said. “There’s a heightened urgency that this may be it. This could be the last time to do this.”
The veterans are well-known to Shocker fans. They return to experience the atmosphere and see old friends.
“Because of the fans, first of all,” said forward Markis McDuffie. “It’s a lot of excitement. Running through that tunnel, hearing the same chants and everything you heard back when you were playing. It’s amazing.”
BACK IN THE W 🗣️🌾
Aftershocks are looking SHARP ahead of Round One 😤
🌾🎟️ https://t.co/wxAaBgDHfM pic.twitter.com/PRP76hGLte
— TBT (@thetournament) July 17, 2025
Frankamp returns as one of the tournament’s best shooters. Forward Rashard Kelly is a defensive standout with point-forward skills that fans have enjoyed watching grow since college. McDuffie is the team’s energy guy, as well as a rangy defender and three-level scorer. Trey Wade completes the wing group with his toughness, rebounding and defense.
“We’ll play hard, play together, and hopefully have a lot of fun,” Frankamp said. “I think (we) can score with the best of them. I think we can play really fast.”
Bush wants the additions to the roster to add scoring punch. Marcus Keene is a TBT veteran and averaged a nation-leading 30 points at Central Michigan in 2016-17.
“TBT legend,” Bush said. “Unlimited range. When you get him out in transition, he’s really dangerous.”
Keene played for Sideline Cancer in 2019 at Koch Arena in an 87-79 win over the AfterShocks. In 2020, he helped Sideline Cancer to the TBT championship game and earned a spot on the All-TBT team.
With Frankamp, Keene, James Woodard and Nike Sibande, the AfterShocks can always put high-scoring guards on the floor. Woodard, who played at Tulsa, played for the AfterShocks in 2022.
“All four bring something,” Bush said. “Very talented. High ceilings.”
Welcome back 🧃!
Flashback to his great 2nd half performance in our quarterfinal win in 2022 (including the Elam Ender)!
We are just 4 days away from GAMEDAY in CKA. Get tickets NOW!#aftershocks #tbt pic.twitter.com/DOMsRmQca0
— AfterShocks – Wichita State’s TBT Team (@AfterShocksTBT) July 14, 2025
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.
Season tickets are on sale now, and season ticket renewals are available as well. To purchase, visit GoShockers.com/Tickets, dial 316-978-FANS (3267) or stop by the Shocker Ticket Office, located inside Charles Koch Arena, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
