Wichita’s Jaden Seymour: A Journey of Resilience, Friendship, and Basketball Success

Teamwork and Triumph

Wichita: A Basketball Journey of Friendship and Growth

Wichita has seen its fair share of ups and downs in the world of basketball, but few stories are as heartfelt and inspiring as that of Jaden Seymour. The talented forward had quite a ride during his time with the Wichita State Shockers during the 2020-21 season, a season that many might say was far from normal.

A Season of Change

Just imagine stepping into a brand new team. You sign with one coach, only to see them leave right before the season kicks off. That’s exactly what happened to Seymour when he initially signed on to play for Gregg Marshall, and then experienced a sudden coaching shift to Isaac Brown. Adding to the mix, the season was significantly affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Talk about a whirlwind!

Despite the chaos, there was a silver lining. The team genuinely came together and created some unforgettable moments, including winning the American Athletic Conference Championship—a first in Wichita State’s history. For Seymour, the friendships made during that time became the real treasure.

A Bond That Lasts

“Those guys were just special,” Seymour recalls. He remains particularly close to Ricky Council IV, who has since joined the likes of the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. “Ricky is still one of my best friends,” he added, a smile evident in his words. The chemistry among teammates during the 2020-21 season was unmatched, a glue that kept them close even after parting ways.

Returning to Wichita

Fast forward to last Saturday, and there was Seymour, now a star at East Tennessee State University, back at the Koch Arena. He wasn’t looking for revenge against his former team after their matchup. Instead, it was a chance to shine and show how far he has come since his days as a Shocker.

With a game-high of 25 points, along with nine rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, it was a night to remember. “It was incredible to finally play in the Roundhouse,” he said, reflecting on the experience. Although WSU pulled out a 96-87 victory, Seymour walked away with a sense of accomplishment, feeling at home in the very place where it all began.

Growth as a Player

Seymour’s time at Wichita might not have been as he had envisioned, with only six games under his belt and averaging around 11 points. However, he never lost sight of his potential. After a significant knee injury in high school, it felt like a mountain to climb, but Seymour saw the light at the end of the tunnel with East Tennessee State taking him on.

Now, in his fourth season with the Buccaneers, he transformed into a force on the court. Averaging 17.5 points and 7.0 rebounds this season, he’s on the rise and making waves in the Southern Conference, earning recognition as a third-team all-conference player.

A Dedicated Teammate

His work ethic has always been a talking point among coaches and teammates. Brooks Savage, the ETSU head coach, couldn’t sing his praises enough, highlighting his unmatched dedication and the high character that makes him a great teammate. “He’s tough as nails and one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached,” said Savage.

Looking Ahead

Seymour’s journey didn’t come without hurdles, but his determination never wavered. With a consistent improvement in his shooting— from hitting only three 3-pointers in his first year to nailing 44 last season—he has shown that hard work pays off. This season alone, he’s already sunk 15 shots from beyond the arc at an impressive 40.5% clip.

A Future Full of Potential

There are no hard feelings left between Seymour and WSU, just gratitude for the opportunity they provided after his injury. As he reflects on his basketball trek, he believes the ETSU team stands a solid chance of clinching the conference title and making a run for the NCAA Tournament. “I just try to stay focused, keep working, and remain ready,” he summarized, exuding optimism.

So, as basketball enthusiasts continue to cheer on their teams this season, they can look at Jaden Seymour’s story as a reminder of friendship, growth, and the power of persistence. No matter where the future takes him, it’s clear that his heart will always have a special place for Wichita.