Missouri State Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for Bears

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 8: Members of the Missouri State Bears huddle up prior to playing against the Wichita State Shockers during the MVC Basketball Tournament Semifinals at the Scottrade Center on March 8, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Shockers beat the Bears 67-42. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 09: Josh Hall #33 of the Nevada Wolf Pack looks on during a semifinal game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament against the San Diego State Aztecs at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 9, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. San Diego State won 90-73. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

How will Ford get everyone to gel?

Of the eight players that started games for Missouri State last season only Da Silva and Cook are the only ones returning that started more than two games. So, with three starting spots to fill, you can be sure West will slide into one spot, as he is a perfect stretch four in the Bears’ frontcourt. With the other key returning players more suited for the forward position, it is likely that the transfers, Hall and Dixon will have the first shot to fill those spots.

With senior Ross Owens the only reserve guard returning in 2019 there are plenty of minutes to be had in the Missouri State backcourt, and there will be plenty of competition. Brown and Cooper, Jr. will be battling Owens and freshmen guards Tyem Freeman, who is a 6’5 swingman who can play multiple positions and Ja’Monta Black for those minutes.

The frontcourt reserves will likely be Mohammed and Ridder should the transfers fill the starting spots and Prim will be able to spell Da Silva, allowing him to be fresher as the year goes on. The depth behind the Bears’ starting five may be inexperienced, but there is no question that the talent infusion has Missouri State as a team to watch in 2019.