Men's Basketball | 6/16/2023 9:31:00 AM

By Paul Suellentrop

Jacob Germany talked in the Koch Arena concourse during a break in basketball camp and a fan walked by.
 
"We're ready for you," he said. Germany responded it, "Appreciate it."
 
That wasn't the first indication for Germany that Shocker basketball is important around the city. Germany, a transfer from UTSA, is getting acquainted with his new team and school as the Shockers prepare to start summer practices on Monday.  
 
He is also getting acquainted with fans who pay close attention to all things Shocker basketball.
 
A week ago, Germany hit McDonald's for breakfast after a workout and the person who served him his McGriddle knew he played for the Shockers. Germany, although he is 6-foot-11, was not wearing Shocker gear.
 
"I thought no one knows me here – 'How do you know that?'" Germany said. "Never had that at UTSA. It was cool. It's one of the reasons I came here. I'm excited to play for everybody here."
 
The Shockers started with individual workouts this summer before the team portions of practice start next week. Practices hit another gear in on July 17 when they start their 10 full practices to prepare for a three-game exhibition tour of Greece from Aug. 1-10.
 
 "Coaches get excited about practice," Wichita State coach Paul Mills said. "Players aren't as excited about it as we are. To get 10 of them . . . that much time, hands on, with your guys is 100 percent beneficial."
 
Mills is forming early impressions of his new team, especially those stepping into leadership roles during the transition and those who are diligent in the weight room and gym.
 
Guard Xavier Bell, a junior returner, is one of the most experienced Shockers with three seasons of NCAA Division I basketball on his resume. After observing as a newcomer last season, Bell is bigger presence.

 
"It's the mindset, more confident, being familiar with the league," Bell said. "Trying to help the new guys get accustomed to that transition and making sure I'm staying on top of everything and bringing the right pace and right attitude."
 
Mills, hired at Wichita State in March after six seasons at Oral Roberts, is pleased to see Bell working on shooting early in the morning and open to filling team needs. Bell is practicing at shooting guard and point guard, spots where the Shockers are inexperienced after the departure of Craig Porter Jr.
 
"He understands that there's a role to play as lead guard, and he understands there's a role to play as an off-ball guard," Mills said. "He's been consistent working at both. He's 'However you can see me being utilized. I just want to make sure I'm prepared for whatever role.' It's been pretty impressive, his approach."
 
Germany, who earned honorable mention All-Conference USA honors the past two seasons, is also off to a good start. Mills said he envisions lineups where Germany can play with returning center Kenny Pohto.
 
"(Germany's) really good playing in space," Mills said. "He's able to dribble, able to shoot, able to finish. He's been very consistent."
 
Germany, who averaged 12.3 points and 8.3 rebounds last season for UTSA, has a long relationship with Mills. He considered ORU out of high school in Kingston, Okla.
 
"I know he likes to shoot a lot of threes and play fast," Germany said. "That's along the lines of how UTSA played. That correlates well. I'm looking forward to all that up and down running. It's entertaining to watch."
 
Bell is impressed with the energy early in the summer from the coaching staff and teammates.
 
"It's been a great atmosphere," he said. "I'm excited to get up every day and come work with this group of guys. The coaching staff is invested in the players and getting us better."
 
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.