Kenyon Giles’ Return Sets New Expectations for Wichita State
The upcoming season will test Wichita State’s depth and adaptability as star guard Kenyon Giles prepares to dominate minutes at shooting guard under coach Paul Mills.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Jordan Frison across Basketball.
The upcoming season will test Wichita State’s depth and adaptability as star guard Kenyon Giles prepares to dominate minutes at shooting guard under coach Paul Mills.

A recent court decision grants Kenyon Giles a fifth year of eligibility, allowing the former Wichita State standout to return to the program. His comeback adds depth to a roster that reached the NIT quarterfinals last year and is projected to contend for a top spot in the American preseason poll.
Head coach Paul Mills emphasizes maintaining offensive rebounding dominance as a defining strength for the Shockers, even as new players join the program.
The Shockers will face an 18‑game conference schedule that pits them against Memphis, South Florida, Charlotte and other contenders, while navigating a landscape short on Quad 1 opportunities and leaning on a strengthened roster and Paul Mills’ renewed contract.
Wichita State will meet USC in the first men’s basketball game at the Tahoe Blue Event Center, a Quad 1 test that could shape both teams’ tournament trajectories.
A back injury forced Tyrus Rathan-Mayes to spend his freshman year on Wichita State’s scout team, where intensive study and coaching praise have positioned him as a multi‑position guard with a promising outlook for the 2026‑27 campaign.

New players join the roster, each with unique backgrounds and abilities.

Wichita State’s senior guard Jordan Frison, a transfer from Tennessee‑Chattanooga, is focusing on maximizing his teammates’ strengths through precise passing and shooting, bringing a blend of experience and scoring prowess to a roster that returns ten players from a 24‑12 season.

The Cardinals will open the 2026‑27 season against Chattanooga on Nov. 2 and host Morehead State on Nov. 7, each opponent receiving a $100,000 guarantee. The matchups come as both programs navigate recent roster changes and aim to bolster their schedules.

The Cardinals have revealed their first two opponents for the upcoming season, each guaranteed a $100,000 appearance fee, while the broader non‑conference schedule promises a diverse set of challenges.

Wichita State's men's basketball team is set to diversify its scoring options with a mix of returning front‑line stalwarts and newly signed guards who bring play‑making and perimeter threat.

The Shockers have finalized their men’s basketball roster with the commitment of point guard Desmeon “NuNu” Jones, completing a five‑player transfer‑portal class.

Coach Paul Mills discusses how retaining 43 percent of last season’s scoring and adding targeted transfers position Wichita State for a strong campaign.