‘He’s ready to go’: Dexter Dennis makes surprise return to Wichita State sideline
Dexter Dennis made his return to the Wichita State men’s basketball team in a very public way during the No. 24-ranked Shockers’ 75-69 win over East Carolina Wednesday.
Dennis, who WSU announced on Dec. 21 was taking an extended leave of absence, made a surprise appearance when he came out on the court dressed in an all-black warmup suit with his teammates at halftime to a thunderous ovation by a shocked-but-delighted sell-out crowd at Koch Arena.
WSU coach Gregg Marshall said after the win that he spoke with Dennis and that the 6-foot-5 sophomore wing informed him that he was ready to start practicing with the team again starting Thursday. The Shockers (12-1) play Mississippi (9-3) at 3 p.m. Saturday.
“I got a call from his mom this morning,” Marshall said. “We’re going to sit down and talk (Wednesday evening) at my home. He looked good. It was good to see him and he says he’s ready to go (Thursday), that’s what he just told me.
“We’re pleased that he’s back and we’ll have to see how much he’s been working out since he’s been home. Supposedly he’s got his hip problem fixed, so I think physically he’s ready to go.”
Dennis was in a funk before he decided to take the leave of absence right before the VCU game on Dec. 21. After becoming one of the best players on the team last season, Dennis was averaging just 7.1 points and shooting 27.8% from the field this season.
Dennis was away from Wichita for 11 days, missing three WSU games — all three victories, with WSU beating VCU (73-63), Abilene Christian (84-66) and East Carolina (75-69).
“When he left, before that you could tell something was up with him,” WSU sophomore Erik Stevenson said. “Just looking in his face during games and practices. I’m his roommate, so I knew something was up.
“I’m just happy the crowd showed him the love that they did at halftime. That’s what he needs. He needs someone there with him showing him that love. And he’s got 10,000-plus doing it.”
When asked about Dennis’ arrival, all three WSU players — Stevenson, Jamarius Burton and Trey Wade — immediately started smiling.
They were not only happy to see their teammate back in Wichita, but they were also glad to see him doing better.
“He’s a tremendous player and he went through his ups and downs, but we’re just grateful to get him back,” Burton said. We’re thankful the crowd showed him the support he needed during a rough time. I’m positive he’ll come back and help this ball club.”
“I hope he can come back and start rolling again,” Wade added. “I know he’s a good player. We just want him to get rolling again, that’s the biggest thing.”
Dennis’ status for Saturday’s game against Ole Miss will likely be determined by how he practices in the days leading up to the game.
This story was originally published January 1, 2020 at 6:02 PM.
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