Showtime all-access show won’t include Wichita State

On Tuesday, Wichita State administrators noticed the production crew from Showtime wasn’t filling their phones with texts and e-mails. On Wednesday morning, Showtime told WSU that the all-access series would proceed without the Shockers.

“I’m extremely disappointed for our fans,” WSU associate athletic director John Brewer said. “I’m extremely disappointed for the people who would have seen a different side of our basketball program.”

Earlier this month, a seven-person crew from IMG Productions began documenting practices and games. The first one-hour episode of “The Road to March Madness” was scheduled to air Tuesday and continue weekly until March 16. WSU, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Maryland were scheduled as the participating teams.

On Wednesday morning, a letter arrived confirming Showtime booted the Shockers.

“Due to a variety of factors, we have made the difficult decision not to pursue that format for the program,” wrote Showtime executive vice president Stephen Espinoza in a letter to WSU. “Changes in network initiatives and shifting programming opportunities have caused us to reevaluate our approach and we are attempting to pursue an alternative format which, unfortunately, will not include Wichita State University.”

Now it appears the the series will be condensed to one 90-minute episode with Maryland and Notre Dame. Why did those schools make the cut?

Brewer noted that WSU and Oklahoma wear Nike shoes and apparel.

“Showtime and IMG Productions are producing a 90-minute documentary that will be distributed via Showtime, featuring Notre Dame and Maryland, two of the largest Under Armour schools in the country,” Brewer said.

On Saturday, camera crews followed almost every move made by the Shockers in practice and at the game against Missouri State. During the afternoon shoot-around, a cameraman joined the players on the court during drills.

By Monday, things changed. The production room dedicated to the crew in the Koch Arena tunnel emptied and Tuesday’s practice continued without Showtime’s presence. Fans trying to set their video recorders to capture the series noticed it didn’t show up on their guides.

“I’ve been trying to get in touch with them since Monday,” Brewer said.

WSU will receive something for its time. IMG Productions will send WSU all video shot over the past week, to be used in any way it wants.

This story was originally published February 11, 2015 at 7:02 PM with the headline "Showtime all-access show won’t include Wichita State."