By MAYAN PAZ
Tiger Media Network
To be an international student-athlete is no easy task, and part of the struggle of adjusting to the new culture is also adjusting to a new style of play. For Dan Mukuna – a native of Dortmund, Germany – and a transfer from the University of Denver, the adjustment from a European style of play to the defensive-first mentality of Fort Hays State men’s basketball could be a difficult one. However, he is now making that transition and becoming a valuable part of the men’s basketball team.
“I was really excited to learn a new basketball culture,” Mukuna said of his decision to leave Germany to play in college. “College basketball is a little different than European basketball, and I feel like, together with school, I could get my education as well. I just wanted to play here and just feel all the different vibe, and the different culture.”
Mukuna arrived in Hays after limited playing time at the University of Denver and is slowly becoming a valuable asset for FHSU. Mukuna averages six points per game but has stepped up lately, scoring a career-high 15 points against Manhattan Christian College at the end of last month and 12 points against Central Missouri to open MIAA play.
Mukuna said the support and trust he gets from his teammates is something that helps him gain confidence.
“My team believes in me, and my coaches believe in me. They gave me the confidence just to go out there and play tough and play hard, ”Mukuna said after FHSU’s double-overtime victory over the Mules. “The most important thing about this game was to be tough and have the defensive mindset. So I feel like I showed that today, and I was just glad that my team gave us the win.”
Mukuna also had two blocks and two steals against UCM.
FHSU Head Coach Mark Johnson also enjoyed Mukuna’s ability to improve his contribution to the team.
“I think he’s taking every possession [and] being better with every possession. He understands the importance of everything,” Brown said. “It takes some time to adjust. I’m really happy for Dan, and hopefully, he can keep on this trajectory.”
Johnson also said Mukuna became a vital part of the team in the locker room and is connected with the rest of the players.
“He’s been able to adjust to team chemistry, and he’s been here before, playing at a four-year school for the last two years in the States. So I think he’s a really nice guy. Sometimes I’d like to see him get a little meaner, but he’s just a really wonderful person,” Johnson said. “He fit in really well with our guys.”
For Mukuna, it was an easy transition, as he said that everyone around him helped him when he joined the team.
“Connecting with the team was great. I feel like all the teammates showed me love right from day one, and all the coaches showed me love as well. I’ve been a great piece to the team, and all chemistry is just great,” he said.
Mukuna is ready to keep his process going and become an even more important player for the team in the future.
“I take it day by day, and I try to get better every day, and I try to go hard in practice and gain more confidence over the season,” he said. “I feel like I can bring in a lot more defense and with my shot blocking, perimeter defense, interior defense, I can actually impact the game in many ways.”
FHSU returns to GMC for three home games before the holiday break, playing Bethel tonight at 7 p.m., MSU Denver on Friday, and Regis on Sunday.
You must be logged in to post a comment.