Wichita State started its basketball rise with hopes of earning comparisons to Gonzaga. Years later, the Shockers are the proof that a team outside the traditional power structure of college sports can make itself a big name.
Wichita State and Dayton share a more important common bond as basketball-dedicated schools. Both enjoy their history. Both are adding to that with NCAA Tournament victories and wins over prominent in-state opponents.
The Shockers got their run started a few years before the Flyers under coach Archie Miller, who used the 2013 Final Four as inspiration after he finished his second season.