Coming off a 35-1 season last year, all eyes are on Wichita State men’s basketball as they head in to regular season play.

There have been a few changes in lineup and coaching staff for the Shockers — four seniors graduated last year and the team lost an assistant coach.

“We had more of a veteran team last year with four seniors and a lot of guys who played as underclassman,” head coach Gregg Marshall said. “Regardless of where we are predicted to finish, we have high expectations on ourselves to do well.”

ESPN has named the Shockers a contender for the NCAA title this year.

“Last year is done,” Marshall said. “’13 is done. ’12 is done. Our job now is to continue to play at a very high level.”

 The Shockers are ranked 11th in the country going into the first game of the season.

One returning player Marshall said to watch this year is junior guard Evan Wessel. A Wichita native, Wessel helped win a state championship while at Wichita Heights High School and added to the Shockers’ winnings last season.

“Evan Wessel affects winning,” Marshall said. “He didn’t shoot the ball well last year, but he is this year already.”

Wessel was able to hit his first three-point attempt in the exhibition game last Saturday. Wessel said he sees improvement this year, as well.

“This year, I’m going to bring more leadership and confidence to how I play,” Wessel said.

But it’s not just about the team’s record, Marshall said.

 “Ultimately we want to remain relevant,” he said. “Do you expect to win 35 in a row? No. We want our boys to represent our community in a first-class way.

“I’m not afraid to pull someone off the court who isn’t working in the classroom. I’ve done it before. It’s not all about wins and losses. It’s about getting these young men to graduation, too.”

Ria’n Holland, 6-foot guard from Hope Mills, N.C., is going to see some playing time this season after spending the last year as a redshirt freshman.

“I learned a lot last season,” Holland said. “I’m glad I redshirted because it gave me time to grow and watch what Fred and Ron do.

“Last year, I bet no one predicted we would go 35-0.”

After losing four seniors last year, Holland said Marshall reminds the team to look ahead because of the change in lineup.

“This is a new year,” Holland said. “Coach says we have to hang our own banners, and that is exactly what we plan to do this year.”

The men play New Mexico State at 8 p.m. Friday at Koch Arena.