NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early mid-major top-25 for 2019-20 season

NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early preseason mid-major top-25 for 2019-20 season

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 16: The Utah State Aggies celebrate their victory over the San Diego State Aztecs in the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Utah State won 64-57. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Dana Ford of the Tennessee State Tigers talks to his players during a timeout in the first half during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena on November 25, 2014 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

15. Missouri State Bears

2018-19 season record: 16-16 (10-8 in Missouri Valley)

Speaking of multi-year rebuilds, new head coach Dana Ford was supposed to be in one with Missouri State, using this year to gather transfers while working with an average roster. But instead, the Tigers finished 3rd in the Missouri Valley and was much better than expected. And even though they’ll lose top scorer Jarred Dixon and fellow starters Ryan Kreklow and Josh Webster to graduation, the Bears will be even better in 2019-20.

There are three quality transfers who’ll be able to play next year. Middle Tennessee starting point guard Tyrik Dixon, a 6’7 wing from Nevada in Josh Hall and more recently, West Virginia grad transfer forward Lamont West, who averaged a career-high 11.1 ppg in 25 mpg this season. He’s an athletic stretch forward who’ll cause problems in the MVC next year. That’s not even including a four-star commit in 6’7 forward Isiaih Mosley. He stars in a talented recruiting class that’ll serve as the future for Missouri State Basketball.

What should scare MVC opponents the most is that the best player for the Bears next season hasn’t even been mentioned yet. South Florida transfer big man Tulio Da Silva led the team this past season with 14.3 ppg and 7.4 rpg, reaching double figures in all but five games. He and Keandre Cook are both potent scorers who’ll be surrounded by even better talent next season.

Whether it’ll all work out is another question entirely but for now, Coach Ford gets the benefit of the doubt and the Bears will be MVC preseason favorites.

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