AAC Preview: Get to Know the Players and Coaches Who Will Lead the League This Season

Keitha Adams, Wichita State Head Coach, Takes Going Home to Another Level

Kietha Adams grew up in Oxford, Kansas about 40 miles from Wichita State University where she was a big fan of the Shockers and the Boston Celtics.  Adams was named Wichita State’s head coach for women’s basketball last March and will lead the team in its inaugural AAC season.

When Adams discovered that the house she lived in as a child was up for sale, she and her mom bought it making her return to Kansas a unique coaching homecoming.

Upperclassman-Filled Team

“What I am trying to do now is get a pulse for what our strengths are and what is the best way to play with the group that we have,” said Adams. Twelve of her 15 players are either juniors or seniors which should help the team adapt to a new coach and conference.  “They have been pretty good at picking up things.  The team has been working really hard,” Adams added.

Adams said defense, rebounding and consistent aggressiveness will be their top on-court priorities.  Last season, much of the offense came from the frontcourt.  That will be a focus again this year. “It is going to be important that we go through the paint with our offense.”

Players to Watch
Rangie Bessard — Forward, Redshirt Senior, First team All-MVC last season, leads team in most statistical categories

Angiee Tomkins — Forward, Senior, Played in all 31 games last season

Keke Thompson — Guard, Senior, “Sets the tone for us on defense”

Diamond Lockhart — Guard, Redshirt Senior, “Great work ethic, leadership, very consistent

Fans have shown a lot of enthusiasm for the team, according to Adams.  The Wichita men’s basketball team is highly ranked so that should help create a good basketball atmosphere. “We just want to complete and play hard every night, make sure our players are good teammates and do the things they need to do to graduate.”

First Regular Season Game: November 10 at Creighton