Men's Basketball | 9/26/2025 12:11:00 PM
By
Paul Suellentrop
Brian Amuneke knows his reputation is that of a shooter. He thinks he can more than that, however, and his showing other skills as Wichita State starts full basketball practices this week.
"Not a lot of people know I can make shots off the dribble," he said. "I can create space for myself and make a shot, whether it's a contested shot or an open shot. Coach (Paul) Mills says if you have the ball, he doesn't want somebody to be a ball stopper."
Amuneke, a sophomore transfer from Fresno State, is one of the many new Shockers whom Mills is working into new roles. The Shockers, 19-15 last season with an NIT bid, start this season with 12 new faces. Mills said adding several juniors and seniors helps the transition, as does grabbing transfers from successful, well-regarded programs.
"It's trying to teach them how to space and play," Mills said after a public practice session recently. "You really try to make it simple. The more their brains are moving, the slower their feet usually do. We've probably been pretty basic and just trying to make sure guys can do fundamental things."
Amuneke finished his freshman season on a heater for Fresno State. He scored 11 or more points in nine of his final 14 games. For the season, he averaged 7.7 points and 2.8 rebounds and made 40.7 percent of his three-pointers.
He is targeting staying on balance while shooting, on or off the dribble to diversify his scoring. If he can continue to excel as a shooter, he helps Mills' desire to create space for teammates to work.
"Making sure I have balance, once I make the move, so I can have a good shot, even if it looks contested," Amuneke said. "If I have a short time to get it off, I get it off quickly."
In practices and pickup games over the summer, he showed teammates he can add to his strengths as a spot-up shooter.
"Brian brings tough shot-making," guard
Dre Kindell said. "He's a sharpshooter."
Amuneke is one of several new Shockers charged with improving the offense. Transfer guards
Kenyon Giles and
Michael Gray Jr., both bring good shooting statistics to the roster.
"Shooting – that's something the team was missing last year, and Coach Mills did a good job recruiting shooting," Kindell said. "A lot of guys can shoot it, even our (centers) can shoot threes."
Kindell's job will be to use his driving ability to set up jump shots and lobs.
"He brings a lot of speed," Amuneke said. "Always hard-working. He brings a lot to the field and I'm learning from him – what to do, when to go."
Shocker Madness is at 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at Koch Arena with doors opening at 5 p.m. The evening features introductions, a three-point contest and scrimmages with the men's and women's team.
The Shockers plays a charity scrimmage vs. Drake at 1 p.m., Oct. 11. Tickets are $20.
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.
Season tickets are on sale now, and season ticket renewals are available as well. To purchase, visit
GoShockers.com/Tickets, dial 316-978-FANS (3267) or stop by the Shocker Ticket Office, located inside Charles Koch Arena, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
