The Wright State University (WSU) Men’s basketball team made history during the 2025-2026 season, guided by seniors who set the tone for the season by showing commitment and leadership for the team’s success.
Two key players who highlighted what it means to be a leader are graduate students Sam Alamutu, number 2, and Michael Imariagbe, number 33. Both had very different collegiate journeys and set a standard for what it is like to be a WSU Raider.
Sam Alamutu
A leading figure for the Raiders, Alamutu, a 6’5" guard and first-year transfer from the University of Vermont (UV), found great success during his collegiate career. During his time at UV, Alamutu appeared in three NCAA tournaments, adding a fourth with the Raiders this year.
During his final year, Alamutu embraced his role as a senior on the team and wanted to inspire his younger teammates.
“Being able to lead the guys that start, and I think for me also being able to pass it down to the next guys, so guys like TJ and guys like Coop, passing the leadership role on and [teaching] them how to lead better. I think that’s been the biggest transition for me,” Alamutu said.
Throughout his career, Alamutu emphasized his focus on not only his performance but also his growth as a man.
“Realizing that I’m not just a basketball player, I obviously want to do great things in the sport, but I think just being a better man, and having more faith, has been my biggest takeaway from this year,” Alamutu said.
In his final season as a Raider, Alamutu left his mark and will be remembered as a leader on a team that made history.
Michael Imariagbe
Powerhouse Michael Imariagbe, a 6’7" forward and a second year at WSU, transferred from Houston Christian. He averaged 12.0 points this season and proved himself as a key leader for the team, showing his passion for his team on and off the court.
For Imariagbe, his journey required patience. After spending longer than expected in the transfer portal, Imariagbe found a place that was an instant fit for him.
“When I entered the portal, I was there for some time. I got recruited by [WSU] pretty late. When they did call me, they set up a visit, I came down and they had good things to say, good things to show me. I loved the people here,” Imariagbe said.
Imariagbe explained the instant connection he felt with WSU and why this was the program for him.
“I could tell when I came that everybody was about their work ethic and that’s what I really wanted. I wanted to be a part of a program like that, a part of a winning team. I also knew I had two years left so I wanted to find a place where I could spend the rest of my two years and finish my collegiate career,” Imariagbe said.
During his time at WSU, Imariagbe accomplished significant success. He appeared in 32 games and 18 starts during his 2024-2025 season. In his 2025-2026 season, he was able to show multiple aspects of success. He won All-League second team through the Horizon League, was able to help win the Horizon League Championship and helped take his team to the March Madness stage in Philadelphia.
“I feel like it’s really built my character, even if it’s being in weird situations and making it comfortable. I feel like I walk into any room and answer any questions, talk to anybody with a smile on my face,” Imariagbe said.
As both of the graduate students' collegiate careers come to an end, the roles Alamutu and Imariagbe played for the Raiders will have a lasting impact and will continue to influence and shape the future of WSU men’s basketball.
