Wichita State University’s men’s basketball team faced an end-of-season challenge that few anticipated—one final chance to play together as a cohesive unit. This opportunity came on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, when they faced Oklahoma State University in the opening round of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). Unfortunately, the game resulted in an 89-79 defeat, but the Shockers didn’t let the loss overshadow an emotionally charged season.
Finishing the season with a record of 19 wins and 15 losses, Wichita State had a rocky journey that included key victories but was marred by inconsistency. Head coach Paul Mills must now start a significant roster overhaul, looking to replace at least seven players ahead of the next season. However, hope remains as two starters—Corey Washington and Quincy Ballard—can return, and there are several promising recruits on the horizon.
“My friends call me ‘Portal Paul,’ so that’s what I’ll do,” Mills said, referring to the busy upcoming transfer portal window open from March 24 to April 22.
Compared to previous seasons, this year’s post-season appearance was a cause for celebration. It marked their first post-season play since reaching the NCAA Tournament in 2021 and their first stint in the NIT since 2019. For the players, it was more than just a game; it was a chance to enjoy another moment together on the court.
A seasoned senior, Xavier Bell, described the experience, stating, “We just love the game of basketball. Being able to suit up, especially for my hometown team and this group of guys, I wear it with pride. No-brainer.” His sentiments echoed throughout the locker room as players reflected on their shared journey.
The emotional weight of this match was palpable. Heading into the NIT, many on the team believed their season was over. They had previously conducted end-of-season exit interviews and were beginning to grasp the reality of spring break. The unexpected announcement that they’d been granted a chance to compete in the NIT came late Sunday night, spurring joy and renewed motivation among the players.
“Honestly, we were just so excited for another chance to play basketball,” said forward Corey Washington. “It was another chance to hoop and another chance to play with my guys, especially the seniors. I think we were all grateful for that.”
The game itself showcased some of the flaws that had haunted the Shockers all season. Wichita State struggled with shooting, completing just 29 of 71 attempts from the field and sinking only 6 of 20 three-pointers. Oklahoma State outperformed in critical areas, hitting 9 of 21 from beyond the arc, and dominating on the boards with 17 offensive rebounds, generating 21 second-chance points.
In the course of the game, Wichita State fell behind by 15 points in the first half but staged a comeback to take a narrow 47-44 lead after halftime. However, Oklahoma State responded with a decisive 15-2 run that ended the Shockers’ aspirations.
Despite the disappointing result, Coach Mills expressed pride in the team’s achievements, noting that their journey through adversity had forged strong bonds. “The things we went through, the hard times, it really made us come together,” Washington remarked. “It was another chance to hoop, another chance to play with my guys, especially the seniors.”
Post-game reflections from the players underscored the importance of togetherness throughout the season—an experience that transcended their win-loss record. “This was just a phenomenal group... Zero off-the-court issues. Zero,” Mills shared about the qualities that defined his players. “Good people make good players, and they’re really good people.”
The significance of this last journey together was not lost on the Shockers, as they recount the bus ride from Wichita to Stillwater to face Oklahoma State. Players who had previously been dismissed for spring break canceled their plans, eager to reunite. Washington smiled at the experience, saying, “We all were just like, ‘One more time. Let’s get it.’”
Additionally, the connection between players was evident in shared moments, whether it was during film study or at meal times. For these athletes, beyond the game, it was the camaraderie and friendships built that mattered the most—a sentiment often overlooked by outside observers.
“We have a really special group, and we all worked so hard together this season,” remarked walk-on Henry Thengvall, who made a quick return from vacation to join the team. “Finishing out the season—together—mattered to all 15 players.”
As the team looks to rebuild, they carry with them the memories of both triumph and heartbreak, knowing that even with the impending roster changes, they have created a lasting legacy. “It was a blessing to be able to go out there one more time, especially with this group of guys,” Bell concluded, reflecting on the impact of their shared paths.
With Coach Mills eager to embark on the task of roster construction, the Shockers transition into a new chapter of their program—one filled with potential and promises of future successes fueled by the valuable lessons learned during this season.
