Jahari Long carries 'championship mindset' into first season at Wichita State

“He was just saying how much he enjoyed watching me play, and how I would fit into the system that he has here,” Jahari Long said regarding an encouraging call he received from head coach Paul Mills after entering the transfer portal earlier this year.

Jahari Long is settling into the Wichita State men’s basketball rotation for his first season with the program as one of the oldest and most experienced players, bringing a championship mindset and extensive Division I experience following previous stints at Seton Hall and Maryland.

Transfer Journey and Fit with the Shockers

Long began his college basketball career at Seton Hall in 2020, playing there until 2022 before transferring to Maryland. During his time at Seton Hall and Maryland, Long sustained two season-ending injuries, which he pushed through with the help of a strong support system.

After entering the transfer portal, Long connected with Mills, who praised his abilities on the court. “He can pass, he can score, does a phenomenal job in pick-and-roll,” Mills said. Mills also added, “But the biggest thing that Jahari brings is experience. He’s been around the block. He understands it. I think all those games are going to add up.” Long noted that working with Mills has helped him develop more of a winning perspective and realize that every situation is temporary.

Deep Roots in Gary, Indiana

Before arriving at Wichita State, Long discovered he already had a personal connection to the program through assistant coach P.J. Couisnard. The two first met when Long was 12 years old, spending summers playing basketball together after growing up in the same small town of Gary, Indiana.

“I think that brought us closer together…both of our families being from the same place,” Long said, adding that Couisnard had the biggest influence on him as a person during his formative years outside of his parents. Although they temporarily lost touch when Couisnard became a high school coach, the two eventually reunited on the staff at Wichita State.

Stepping Into Leadership

Now serving as one of the oldest and most experienced members of the roster, Long views his role on the team as a leader and a big brother. Even in his leadership position, Long continues to absorb knowledge from those around him, stating that he feels he has learned something from everyone on the team.