We start the Shocker basketball newcomer series with guards Jordan Frison and NuNu Jones and center Cyr Malonga. We discuss how Wichita State coaches communicated their plan for the newcomers during the recruiting process, what Jones is learning from his experienced teammates and why Frison asks a lot of questions. Malonga describes his role as a lob threat and shot-blocker and reveals his affection for the TV show “Suits.”
Former Shocker Xavier Bell is back in Wichita for much of the summer and he joins us to talk about playing in the Georgian Superleague, life in Tbilisi and dealing with homesickness. We talk about the differences between college and pro basketball and what’s next for him. We also discuss Wichita State’s growth under coach Paul Mills, and reminisce about Bell’s big moment against Kansas State and why he thinks the Shockers will continue to improve.
Bell, Mr. Kansas Basketball in 2020 at Andover Central High School, played three seasons at Wichita State. As a senior in 2024-25, he earned American Conference Men’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors and was an all-conference pick after averaging 15.2 points. He played in Europe’s Georgian Superleague for BC Kavkasia, where he averaged 13.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
Former Shocker Markis McDuffie is a lifelong New York Knicks fan who can’t wait for the NBA Finals that match the Knicks vs. the Spurs. We talk about his favorite Knicks, watching WSU teammate Landry Shamet shine in the playoffs and Madison Square Garden. We also dive into the AfterShocks making their return to TBT this summer and why that group feels a bit of disrespect after winning the title in 2025.
Wichita State basketball assistant coach P.J. Couisnard joins the podcast to update fans on spring additions to the roster, summer plans and returning Shockers. We talk about why WSU’s retention rate was so high, how the incoming guards will change the offense and what’s next for Noah Hill. We also discuss Couisnard’s first year as a college coach and what he’s learned from coach Paul Mills.
Wichita State director of athletics Kevin Saal joins the podcast to wrap up the men’s basketball season and give his views on what the retention of Will Berg, TJ Williams, Dillon Battie and Noah Hill means for the program. We talk about WSU’s spot in the financial landscape and why its reputation for delivering on promises is important. We also discuss how success and player development helps. Along the way, we brain-storm marketing ideas for that seat in the top row coach Paul Mills loves to talk about and a Lion King call-out involving Battie and a cat.
Wichita State basketball assistant coach Josh Eilert visits in between NIT games to update fans after Tuesday’s win over Wyoming. We talk about the importance of rebounding and how the Wichita State coaches make that skill such an emphasis. We also talk about setting screens, another example of the physical basketball Eilert believes is so important. We discuss the Shocker big men and their progress over the season, in addition to Michael Gray Jr.’s defense and coach Paul Mills’ attention to detail. We wrap up with Eilert remembering West Virginia’s 2010 run to the Final Four, lessons from that team he hopes the Shockers absorb, and the guard who became a prominent NBA coach.
Get set for the week with the Roundhouse Rundown podcast, the fastest five minutes in collegiate promotions. Tuesday is full of Shocker events, headlined by an NIT game vs. Wyoming at Koch Arena. Baseball and softball play at home all week. Nebraska visits Eck Stadium for a mid-week series before Charlotte comes to town. Softball plays South Dakota State in a Tuesday doubleheader. FAU visits Wilkins Stadium this weekend. All that, plus promotions, ticket specials, Shocker trivia and Shocker history.
Get set for the week with the Roundhouse Rundown podcast, the fastest five minutes in collegiate promotions. Wichita State is 21-10 and earned the second seed in the American Conference Championship for men’s basketball. The Shockers play at 4 p.m., Saturday on ESPN2 in a semifinal game. Wichita State baseball and softball are at home this weekend. The baseball series vs. Butler begins on Thursday. The softball Shockers play UAB starting Friday. All that, plus promotions, ticket specials, Shocker trivia and Shocker history.
Wichita State basketball associate head coach Kenton Paulino prepares us for the American Championship. We discuss how Dillon Battie stayed locked in when he wasn’t playing and how it paid off for the sophomore forward. He tells us why coach Paul Mills is hard on guard Dre Kindell during practices and why that helps Kindell use his energy in a positive way. We also discuss how the Shocker defense is structured to limit three-point shooting, WSU’s superb 11 minutes to close out a win over FAU and his favorite March Madness moment. Wichita State is 21-10 and earned the second seed in the American Conference Championship. The tournament begins Wednesday in Birmingham. The Shockers play at 4 p.m., Saturday on ESPN2 in a semifinal game.
Wichita State junior center Will Berg and assistant coach Iain Layman join the podcast to talk about the Shockers as they wrap up the regular season with a big game on Saturday vs. FAU at Koch Arena before post-season play. We talk about a team meeting in January that helped right the ship after a loss and how the team’s common purpose has grown. Berg talks, with input from two former Shocker big men, about the challenges of being 7-foot-2 and how he deals with physical play. We also discuss Noah Hill’s significant four-second contribution, Kenyon Giles’ confidence and Karon Boyd’s physical presence.
