#0 DJ Moore
#0 DJ Moore
#0 DJ Moore
“DJ brings energy, joy, and an infectious spirit to this team. From the day I met DJ, you could tell he is looking to build and elevate others. Let me not get into his humor and personality off the court! Love this dude!”
QUICK FACTS
6'3” 185 lbs.
Redshirt Junior
Columbus, Ohio
Transfer from Liberty University, appearing in 25 games (2021-22)
First Team All-State as a senior at Worthington Christian High School (2020-21)
Averaged 6.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.7 apg in 2023-24
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
The program has been great over the years. Everyone knows about IWU! The coaching staff and the culture they’ve built here is truly incredible.
IAm3 is...
Selflessness. Doing everything you can for your brother next to you for the betterment of the whole team!
Fearless is...
Playing with a sense of confidence, knowing that you have this freedom through Christ. There’s nothing like playing without freedom!
The IWU coaching staff is...
The embodiment of IAM3. They give it their all and truly believe in everyone. Very appreciative to have such a great coaching staff!
DJ MOORE on the Web
#1 Bright Kari
#1 Bright Kari
#1 Bright KAri
QUICK FACTS
6’8” 200 lbs.
Redshirt Junior Forward
Silver Spring, Maryland
Northwood High School (MD)
Transfer from University of Antelope Valley
Shot 61% from the field across two seasons at Yakima Valley College
Redshirted 2023-24 season
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
I chose IWU because I wanted to be part of a community that values both academic excellence and spiritual growth. The university’s commitment to developing leaders who can make a positive impact in the world aligned with my personal goals. After visiting and meeting with my teammates and faculty, I knew it was the place I could grow as both a student and a person.
IAm3 is...
A powerful mindset that emphasizes putting God first, others second, and yourself third. It’s about focusing on selflessness, humility, and prioritizing the needs of the community over personal desires. This philosophy shapes the culture at IWU and encourages us to live in a way that reflects these values both on and off the court.
Fearless is...
About pushing through challenges and stepping out of our comfort zones to pursue our goals with courage and determination. At IWU, it’s a mindset that encourages athletes to face adversity head-on, knowing that God’s strength and support will guide us through any situation. It’s not about being fearless in our own abilities, but trusting God to lead us. It’s playing with true freedom.
The IWU coaching staff is...
Incredibly dedicated, knowledgeable, and supportive. They not only focus on developing us as athletes but also care about our personal growth, faith, and well-being. Their approach to coaching is rooted in strong values and helps prepare us for success both in sports and in life.
Bright Kari ON THE WEB
#2 Kyle Sanders
#2 Kyle Sanders
#2 Kyle Sanders
QUICK FACTS
6’1” 180 lbs.
Senior Guard
Kokomo, Indiana
Western High School
Holds Western’s all-time scoring record with 1,310 points
2023-24 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athlete
Shot 61% from three in 2023-24
Member of IWU men’s golf team
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
I chose IWU because I immediately felt like family when I stepped on campus for my first visit and just knew this place would be home. It was where I could continue my athletic career, academic field of interest, and most importantly, deepen my faith.
IAm3 is...
IAM3 is a lifestyle that we try to live out every single day. We put God and others before ourselves and go through the day with a servant mindset. We want to be serving other people, our community, whenever we can.
Fearless is...
Fearless is trusting the work that has already been put in. Being fearless requires zero negative thoughts which can be difficult to do, but not impossible.
The IWU coaching staff is...
The IWU coaching staff is one of a kind. They’re all different in their own respective ways, but they work together as one unit to be the best they can be for the team. They want us to succeed and lead us to the best of their ability, and that is why they do our junkyards and conditioning workouts with us. They don’t want to ask us to go somewhere that they haven’t gone before.
Kyle Sanders ON THE WEB
#8 Rocco Muratori
#8 Rocco Muratori
#8 Rocco muratori
“Rocco is one of the most genuine guys you will ever meet. He has a big personality and is always communicating to his teammates and staying engaged on the sideline.”
QUICK FACTS
7’3” 255 lbs.
Redshirt Sophomore Center
West Lafayette, Indiana
La Lumiere School
Transfer from Stony Brook University
CAA Commissioner’s Honor Roll (2022)
Appeared in 35 games across two seasons at Stony Brook
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
I chose IWU because I felt it was the place God was calling me to be. After my visit, I knew it was the right place for me to grow not just as a player but more importantly as a man of faith. The environment here was very much welcoming and supportive, which influenced me heavily to join the community here.
IAm3 is...
Stands for God first, others second, and ourselves third. It’s a staple not just for our program, but how we should conduct ourselves daily.
Fearless is...
Not being afraid to make mistakes and to stop chasing after perfection and performance. It encourages us to go out there and perform freely without being concerned with what others think about us.
The IWU coaching staff is...
Very supportive and encouraging. During my first year here, I have been recovering from an injury and the amount of support and patience they have shown has been awesome. It’s been awesome to also form my relationships with each and every one of them and get to know them very closely.
Rocco Muratori ON THE WEB
#10 Jaxson Gould
#10 Jaxson Gould
#10 Jaxson Gould
“Jaxson has come in and made an immediate impact with his leadership and maturity. It’s exciting to see someone so bought in, and I’m excited to see his development going forward!”
QUICK FACTS
6'2” 190 lbs.
Sophomore Guard
Warsaw, Indiana
Warsaw High School
Times-Union Player of Year (2022)
Appeared in 23 games as a freshman, averaging 8.2 minutes per game
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
I chose IWU because of the relationships I had built with the players and coaches throughout the recruiting process.
IAm3 is...
Living everyday striving to love God first and others second before yourself.
Fearless is...
Living everyday on and off the court without worrying about outcomes or others’ opinions of me, as well as knowing I’m God’s child and knowing His love is greater than the worries I have.
The IWU coaching staff is...
Relational. They truly have the best interest in mind for everyone in the program.
JAXSON GOULD ON THE WEB
#11 Matthew Brown
#11 Matthew Brown
#11 Matthew Brown
QUICK FACTS
6’6” 190 lbs.
Redshirt Sophomore Forward
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis Northwest Homeschool Team
Scored 1,859 points across high school career
Grandfather Roger Brown has #35 jersey retired by the Pacers
Appeared in 6 games with brother Jourdain Brown in 2023-24
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
I picked IWU because of how unique the college is. It’s different, and the love that everyone had for one another really stood out to me.
IAm3 is...
Differentiating yourself from others, as we love God first, others second, and ourselves third.
Fearless is...
Overcoming obstacles and challenges that come your way without worry.
The IWU coaching staff is...
Extremely vigilant and caring.
Matthew Brown on the web
#13 Peyton Byrd
#13 Peyton Byrd
#13 Peyton Byrd
QUICK FACTS
6'7” 175 lbs.
Freshman Forward
Greenwood, Indiana
Center Grove High School
Played with #30 Marcus Ankney at CG
Scored 18 points in regional championship game against Franklin
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
I chose IWU because of the culture of the basketball team and the overall atmosphere of the school. Another reason I chose IWU is because of the connections and success of the program.
IAm3 is...
A way of life, living out putting God first, others second, and myself third. It is something that we use in our lives and everyday and we also display it on the court.
Fearless is...
Not worrying about what others think or how others judge you, it’s about being fearless in being a follower of God. It also goes on the court by falling back on all the hard work we put in.
The IWU coaching staff is...
Always looking out for the best interest of others and always finding success no matter the circumstance.
Peyton Byrd ON THE WEB
#20 Isaac Andrews
#20 Isaac Andrews
#20 Isaac Andrews
“Isaac always finds a way to do the right thing. He is scrappy and lifts others up with his servant leadership.”
QUICK FACTS
6’1” 185 lbs.
Freshman Guard
Selma, Indiana
Wapahani High School
Wapahani All-Time Leading Scorer
Delaware County All-Time Leading Scorer
Led Wapahani to first-ever 2A state title game in 2024
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
I chose IWU because of the environment of people who all strive to help me grow. They push me to not only to be a better player, but more importantly a better man.
IAm3 is...
A way of life which God is first, others are second, and you put yourself third. Living I Am Third is about living a Christ-like life where the needs of others and what God has for you are above your own desires.
Fearless is...
A mindset in which your performance isn’t hindered by fear of failure. Your value isn’t defined in the way in which you perform, but rather defined by your role as a child of God.
The IWU coaching staff is...
Invested in creating Godly men through the individual relationships they build with each player and their devotion to teaching the way in which Christ calls us to live.
Isaac andrews ON THE WEB
#21 Griffin Kliewer
#21 Griffin Kliewer
#21 Griffin Kliewer
QUICK FACTS
6'3” 185 lbs.
Senior Guard
Lee’s Summit, Missouri
Summit Christian Academy
2x First Team All-Conference Selection (‘23, ‘24)
Averaged 14.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.2 apg
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
I chose IWU because it is a place where I could see myself thriving tremendously not only on the court but in my walk with Christ alongside people that truly care about me.
IAm3 is...
IAM3 is all about humbling yourself and acknowledging that without Christ we are nothing. After we acknowledge that our action step is to serve Christ and others around us every day.
Fearless is...
Fearless is realizing that there is only one thing that drives out fear, and that is Christ’s perfect love for us. When we rest in that truth the little pressures and frustrations of life become smaller.
The IWU coaching staff is...
The IWU coaching staff is here to serve and lead. These groups of guys are not only coaches but also mentors that want the best for us not just these 4 years but for our entire lives.
Griffin Kliewer ON THE WEB
#22 DeeJuan Pruitt
#22 DeeJuan Pruitt
#22 Deejuan Pruitt
QUICK FACTS
6’8” 235 lbs.
Graduate Forward
Sacramento, California
Grant High School (CA)
Transfer from Jacksonville University
All-State selection as a senior in high school
SIUE Single-Game Rebounding Record Holder (16)
Averaged 4.5 ppg and 4.1 rpg for JU in 2023-24
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
I chose IWU because of the culture and how connected everyone is. It’s more than basketball.
IAm3 is...
A lifestyle that can translate to everyday life.
Fearless is...
A lifestyle.
The IWU coaching staff is...
Different.
deejuan pruitt ON THE WEB
#23 Jake Smith
#23 Jake Smith
#23 Jake Smith
“Jake has been super impressive since coming in. He always goes 100% and gives full effort in both games and practices. He has stepped up and exceeded initial expectations. Off the court he is a goofy personality that keeps the locker room laughing and lighthearted.”
QUICK FACTS
6’6” 210 lbs.
Freshman Forward
Dyer, Indiana
Lake Central High School
All-Conference selection as a senior in high school (2023-24)
First Team All-Post Tribune (2024)
IBCA Senior All-State Supreme 15 (2024)
Averaged 16.1 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 4.2 apg as a senior in high school
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
I chose IWU because of the culture. I wanted to grow in my faith and be apart of a winning program.
IAm3 is...
All about putting God first in all we do. Then it is about being selfless and putting others before yourself.
Fearless is...
Not worrying about making mistakes. The coaching staff instills confidence in each of us to play this way.
The IWU coaching staff is...
Amazing. They care deeply about our personal lives, not just about basketball. They show great leadership on how men of Christ should live.
Jake Smith ON THE WEB
#25 Luke Brown
#25 Luke Brown
#25 LUKE BROWN
“ Luke fully embodies what it means to put others above himself. He’s a selfless man who is always looking to elevate others despite his own situation.”
QUICK FACTS
6'2” 180 lbs.
Redshirt Junior Guard
Hartford City, Indiana
Blackford High School
Transfer from Stetson University
4th on Indiana HS Basketball All-Time Scoring List (3,011)
Indiana All-Star (2020-21)
Averaged 10.2 ppg at Stetson (2022-23)
Missed all of the 2023-24 season due to injury
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
I chose IWU because the coaches have recruited me since I was a freshman in high school. I know the staff believes in my abilities, and I believe in them and the culture they have put into place at IWU.
IAm3 is...
Getting outside of yourself, putting God first, and pouring into others. It pushes me to grow into a better teammate, son, brother, and friend.
Fearless is...
Living and playing for God with a spirit of boldness. God calls me to be bold, not fearful. I can feel myself growing into the fearless aspect of this program, and it truly excites me, on and off the court.
The IWU coaching staff is...
The IWU coaching staff walks the walk. They preach their culture and live it day in and day out, in front of their players, in front of the public, and when no one is watching.
Luke Brown ON THE WEB
#30 Marcus Ankney
#30 Marcus Ankney
#30 MArcus Ankney
“Marcus is a high-character, connective guy that glues his teammates together and competes hard because he wants to win. A player that every team needs, he impacts winning everyday!”
QUICK FACTS
6'3” 190 lbs.
Sophomore Guard
Greenwood, Indiana
Center Grove High School
Daily Journal All-County Team (2023)
Averaged 6.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.7 apg in 2023-24
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
There’s a culture here which not only allows me to grow as a basketball player, but also as a man and follower of Christ.
IAm3 is...
A commitment that every player who comes through the program commits to. It consists of not just playing but living to serve God and others before yourself.
Fearless is...
Our team motto. Each player should go into a game wanting to give their all, free from judgement and any consequences.
The IWU coaching staff is...
A group of men I wish to learn from every day. They have more knowledge in all areas of life and I want to soak up as much as I can during my time at IWU.
Marcus Ankney ON THE WEB
#33 Cliff Gashumba
#33 Cliff Gashumba
#33 CLIFF GASHUMBA
“Cliff is a guy who impacts this team through his infectious smile and his heart to grow and compete. He continues to make those around him better both on and off the court.”
QUICK FACTS
6'6” 200 lbs.
Sophomore Forward
Phoenix, Arizona
Mountain Mission School
Majoring in Exercise Science
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
I chose IWU because it’s a place I can grow in more than just school and basketball.
IAm3 is...
IAM3 means that God is always first and at the center of everything. Success starts with selflessness.
Fearless is...
Not being afraid to do difficult things and be uncomfortable.
The IWU coaching staff is...
The coaching staff is a big reason I chose to come here, and I look forward to learning more and more from them.
CLIFF GASHUMBA ON THE WEB
#35 Caedmon Bontrager
#35 Caedmon Bontrager
#35 Caedmon Bontrager
“Caed’s a guy who is relentless in both his game and his faith. He has a quiet spirit to him. I’m excited to see him develop, as he has already grown tremendously since coming to campus.”
QUICK FACTS
6’7” 230 lbs.
Redshirt Sophomore Forward
Spencerville, Indiana
Leo High School
IBCA Senior Large School All-State (2022)
All-NE8 First Team (2022)
Crossroads League Newcomer of the Year (2024)
All-Crossroads League Second Team (2024)
Averaged 13.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg in 2023-24
Led NAIA in FG% (77.3% — 2024)
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
Why IWU...
I chose IWU because of the coaches and the IAM3 culture. I knew it would be the right place spiritually and that the coaches would push me on and off the court.
IAm3 is...
Putting others before yourself. God first, others second, I am third is not just a saying but a lifestyle.
Fearless is...
Fearless is not being afraid to step into the moment on the court and off. It is also being fearless for Christ and willing to share the gospel with the world.
The IWU coaching staff is...
A living embodiment of IAM3 and Fearless. They are not only very good basketball coaches but are true men of Christ that are willing to pour into each and every one of the players.
Caedmon Bontrager ON THE WEB
Joe Moore
Joe Moore
Joe Moore
QUICK FACTS
4’2” 65 lbs.
Redshirt Guard
Marion, Indiana
Oak Hill High School
About Joe
On April 11, 2024, Joe Moore of Team Impact signed a Letter of Intent to be a part of the IWU Wildcats men’s basketball team. Joe was announced as a starter for Wildcat home games as well as setting the all-time Luckey Arena record for most joy and enthusiasm after Wildcat slam dunks.