Sunrise Christian alumnus Kevin Overton returns with Texas Tech for Big Tournament
Mar 20, 2025
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - While there aren't any teams from Kansas playing in Wichita, there are quite a few Kansas connections. KSN spoke with a Sunrise Christian Academy alum who is now a sophomore playing for Texas Tech.
Kevin Overton was a part of the postgraduate program at Sunrise Christian in
2024, and that year played an impactful role in his basketball career. For him to be gearing up Thursday night again in Wichita feels like a full-circle moment.
"I'm very surprised. I didn't think that I would have the opportunity to play here again. Obviously, a lot of good memories, but yeah, just happy to be back," Overton said.
An announcement that excited his whole family.
"My phone went off. They were like, 'Oh my gosh, y'all are coming back to our old stomping grounds.' So it was really amazing," Overton's mom said.
His time with the Buffaloes made him a better person and player.
"It did a lot for me as far as where I am today, so just coming back and just reflecting on all the memories that helped me get here," Overton said.
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"We try to do the best we can with our kids, and we hope they land in a place where people around them will help develop him and continue that, and that really happened here at Sunrise," Overton's dad said.
Even with just one year in Wichita, the connection to the Sunrise family remains strong. Four of his Tech coaches also came from the academy.
"Sunrise is a Christian academy, so it says a lot about their culture and who they are, but it says a lot about Wichita 'cause this is where we are. This was kind of our pivot point that got us where we're going," Overton's mom said.
This tournament became a reunion of friends, teammates, and family coming to support.
"Pretty much all of my mom's side and some of my dad's side, so a good chunk of my family for sure," Overton said.
"As many as we could get! Tickets are limited, but we brought it," Overton's dad laughed.
"I think that a lot of people are real excited," Overton's mom said.
Overton is one of seven Sunrise Christian players or staff in the Wichita region. He was formerly at Drake, so if Tech and Drake win Thursday night, he will face his old team in round two. ...read more read less
