Zane Meeks, a 6-foot-9 forward from Kansas, has recently decided to spend his final year of college basketball close to his home state. Meeks, who has previously played for Nevada, San Francisco, and Arizona State, entered the transfer portal in search of a new team. After considering his options, Meeks chose to sign with Wichita State, located just three hours from his home in Prairie Village. The Shockers officially signed Meeks on June 12, fending off a late advance from Oklahoma State.
Meeks cited his family ties to western Kansas and his father’s upbringing in Kinsley as reasons for choosing WSU. He expressed excitement at the chance to return home and continue his basketball career with the Shockers, a team he had admired since his youth.
Meeks’ arrival at WSU is a significant addition to the team’s lineup. Known for his shooting ability, Meeks brings a valuable dimension to the Shockers’ offensive schemes. His impressive track record includes 132 career 3-pointers and a 34.4% accuracy rate beyond the arc, making him a versatile player who can effectively stretch the floor.
WSU head coach, Paul Mills, expressed his enthusiasm for having Meeks on the team, highlighting his shooting ability and the new opportunities it brings to the offensive strategies. In addition to Meeks, the Shockers have also welcomed Croatian center Matej Bosnjak, further diversifying their options and adding depth to the team.
With a 7-foot returning starter and a dual-threat center, the addition of Meeks enhances the team’s ability to apply offensive pressure from different positions. Meeks himself has openly expressed his willingness to adapt to any position required by the team, focusing on contributing to the team’s success and creating space for his fellow guards to operate.
Despite a previous ankle injury that limited him to five games last season, Meeks has made a full recovery and is eager to focus on honing his shooting skills. He is committed to developing a deep understanding of the team’s offensive strategies and has expressed his dedication to working specifically on shots that align with the team’s gameplay.
In addition to his offensive prowess, Meeks’ defensive rebounding ability has not gone unnoticed. His strong defensive rebounding rates and proven track record as an efficient scorer for good offenses make him a valuable asset to the Shockers’ lineup. With WSU aiming for a significant improvement in scoring efficiency, Meeks’ inclusion is anticipated to contribute to the team’s success.
Meeks also spoke highly of Coach Mills and the team’s dynamic, acknowledging the coach’s attention to detail and clear communication. He expressed confidence in the team’s potential, noting the pairing of experienced players with the coach’s strategic approach as a promising combination for the upcoming season.
As Meeks embarks on this new chapter of his basketball career at WSU, his return to Kansas serves as a fitting conclusion to his collegiate journey. With a strong sense of homecoming and an unwavering commitment to contributing to the team, he is poised to make a significant impact on the court for the Shockers.