Men's Basketball | 10/23/2026 9:37:00 AM

By Paul Suellentrop
 
Michael Gray Jr.'s quest to play another season of college basketball played out quietly over the summer and into the fall.
 
Only recently did fans become aware of the possibility Gray might not play for Wichita State and he did not play in an exhibition game vs. Murray State earlier this month while the NCAA process played out. Not long after, the NCAA approved a waiver to allow Gray to play a fourth season.
 
Gray started his career at George Mason in 2021, but a knee injury sidelined him for most of his freshman season. After missing out on almost two full years, he did not play again until 2023-24 at Nicholls State.
 
That approval gave Gray, a 6-foot-2 guard from Fredricksburg, Va., a fresh start in two ways. He gets an opportunity to recover the time abbreviated by injury earlier in his career and he moves to shooting guard after playing point guard last season.
 
"I felt like we have a big chance to be special this year," he said. "Coming back, I feel like I can develop as a player. Last year was getting my feet wet in the conference and I can make a big jump."
 
Gray practiced with the Shockers all summer. The arrival of Jahari Long and Jordan Frison reduce his ball-handling duties and move him to shooting guard.
 
Last season, Gray averaged 8.2 points and 2.3 assists while starting all 36 games. He shot 31.1 percent from three-point range after shooting 35. 9 percent over 68 games and 40.9 percent in his final season at Nicholls.
 
Coach Paul Mills expects changing positions to help Gray make the most of his talents, especially at the three-point line.
 

E with the board leading to a wide open Mike 3 https://t.co/vifXJuEKbe

— Wichita State Men's Basketball (@GoShockersMBB) March 7, 2026

 
"I think you'll see a better player because you're not wearing a guy down on the ball," Mills said. "That's a hard spot to really be in for a guy who hasn't done it a whole lot."
 
Instead of Gray running the offense and passing to teammates, he will wait on the wings to shoot, cut or make plays off the dribble after the point guards start the offense. That should give him more opportunities to take higher-percentage three-pointers when he is set and ready, instead of the more difficult kind off the dribble.
 
"Last year he had to control everything," guard Kenyon Giles said. "I've known him since high school. He has been a bucket since high school. If he shoots the ball, we're a better team."
 
In 2024-25 at Nicholls State, Gray averaged 11.1 points and lead a team that went 20-13 in three-point accuracy (40.9) and foul shooting (81.7 percent). He scored 13 points, making 3 of 4 threes, vs. New Mexico, and 14 vs. Gonzaga. In late February, he scored 19 or more points in six straight games and made 22 of 45 threes in that stretch.
 
"This year, I don't have to be point guard as much," he said. "I think that will help elevate my game and elevate the team."
 
The job of elevating the Shockers is a group project. Mills, entering his fourth season at Wichita State, can build an offense around two pass-happy point guards, shooters and big men for the first time. Gray's move to shooting guard should be an example of improving the team by putting athletes in their best position.

 

ARE YOU SERIOUS MIKE 🤯 https://t.co/3pzH7Rlcze

— Wichita State Men's Basketball (@GoShockersMBB) February 12, 2026

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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.