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RH: Transfer Forward Can Fill Many Roles for Shockers

RH Pleasant

The RoundHouse | 11/1/2021 9:24:00 AM

Paul Suellentrop Byline 

 
Joe Pleasant made two free throws to win an NCAA Tournament game in March. If that is your first impression of Pleasant – great. Beating Texas is a big moment.
 
A more revealing first impression took place early this summer, after he transferred to Wichita State from Abilene Christian. He came to Koch Arena for his first individual practice session and dove on the floor to grab a rolling basketball.
 
He did that during a skills workout, not normally the time that demands maximum effort and floor burns. The coaches and teammates nod and smile when asked about that practice.
 
"I remember him diving on the floor in the summertime," Wichita State coach Isaac Brown said. "And I remember going 'If he's going to get on the floor like that, all you guys need to get on the floor.'"
 
That was their introduction to Pleasant, a 6-foot-8 forward from Overland Park.
 
"Joe saw a loose ball going toward the sideline and he dove on it," said guard Qua Grant. "We were all hyped for him."
 
Pleasant built on that first look at his personality in the following months. Whether it's extra effort in a basketball drill or arriving early for team meetings and bus rides, it matters to Pleasant.
 
"It's a sense of who you are," Pleasant said. "You leave an impression every single time, whatever you do. One thing you get to keep is your last name, your legacy."
 
The Shockers play NCAA Division II Missouri Southern State in an exhibition on Monday (6 p.m.) to begin a season in which they are picked fourth in the American Athletic Conference and viewed as a team with a chance at another NCAA Tournament spot.
 
To hit or exceed those expectations, Pleasant's contributions as a forward who can help the offense with three-point shooting and rebound and defend are crucial. As a business major with an eye on owning a business, perhaps in the food industry, he considers solving problems his specialty in the classroom, in business and on the court.
 
"Being versatile – playing inside, playing outside," Pleasant said. "Hitting shots. Playing the post. Doing a mix of things. That's why I can help this team."
 
He is reliable and organized. He is majoring in business and twice earned All-Academic honors in the Southland Conference at Abilene Christian. He quickly picked up Wichita State's defensive system and earned coach Isaac Brown's trust with his consistent effort and low-mistake style of play.
 
"He's one of those kids you can count on," Brown said. "He's going to go out there on the court and do exactly what we talk about in the huddle."
 
Pleasant played three seasons at Abilene Christian and started as a sophomore and junior. He averaged 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 2020-21 to help the Wildcats to a 24-5 record and the 53-52 win over Texas in the NCAA Tournament.
 
His outside shooting and ability to take care of the basketball make him an important part of the offense. Brown is thrilled with Pleasant's skill guarding centers, wings and guards.
 
"It's hard to come across a guy that can guard one through five," Brown said. "We've been really effective with him guarding (centers). Strength. His understanding of how to play."
 
Pleasant won two Class 6A titles for Blue Valley Northwest at Koch Arena. He wants to play professionally after college before entering the business world. Anthony and Renita Pleasant, his parents, raised him to make appointments on time, and on time usually means early. Anthony Pleasant played 14 seasons in the NFL at defensive end and won two Super Bowls with New England.
 
"He's a real disciplined young man," said Grant, who lives with Pleasant. "Joe's got his head on right. He helps me to stay accountable. He's accountable. He's always there."
 
The world of food intrigues Pleasant, who loves seafood. He considers owning a restaurant or other parts of the food industry possible career paths. He started college as an engineering major before switching to business – both majors play to his desire to solve problems and use math skills.
 
He grew up in Charlotte, N.C., before moving to Kansas, which is where his appreciation for seafood began. He enjoys experiencing new foods and is in the early stages of experiencing Wichita's scene. His new passion is Chinese food.
 
"I'm trying to find Chinese spots now, and I'm trying out some seafood spots," he said. "I like trying new foods, new flavors, new ways of preparing things."
 
Pleasant gets another chance to make an impression on Monday as the Shockers start the 2021-22 season. So far, his lifelong habits make that impression one that lasts.
 
Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.
 
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Players Mentioned

Joe Pleasant

#32 Joe Pleasant

F
6' 7"
Junior
Qua Grant

#22 Qua Grant

G
6' 1"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Joe Pleasant

#32 Joe Pleasant

6' 7"
Junior
F
Qua Grant

#22 Qua Grant

6' 1"
Junior
G