Busting Brackets
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Missouri Valley Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2021-22 season

By Jason Burgess

Mar 7, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Loyola Ramblers pose for a photo after defeating the Drake Bulldogs in the finals of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Loyola Ramblers pose for a photo after defeating the Drake Bulldogs in the finals of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Missouri State junior Gaige Prim Missouri Valley Basketball Tbears Bb00207
Missouri State junior Gaige Prim Missouri Valley Basketball Tbears Bb00207 /

4. Missouri State Bears

2020-21 record: 17-7 overall, 12-6 in the MVC

Things have been looking up for Dana Ford in Springfield, Missouri, not only does he have a team that went 17-7 last season with a 3rd place finish in the MVC, it’s a team that will return six of the seven players that averaged double-digit minutes and welcomes a couple of transfers with immediate impact potential.

Probably the biggest news of the offseason for Missouri State came when senior forward Gaige Prim announced he would be returning to take advantage of his extra year of eligibility. Prim did everything for the Bears last season, averaging 16.7 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.3 blocks shooting just under 60% from the field.

Joining Prim to form arguably the most potent 1-2 punch in the conference is 6-5 junior Isiaih Mosely who scored nearly 20 points per game, pulled down over six rebounds to go along with 3.1 assists all while shooting over 38% from deep. Guards Ja’Monta Black, Demarcus Sharp, and Keaton Henry all return to supplement the frontcourt duo.

Ford also hit the transfer market this summer bringing over Donovan Clay from Valparaiso where the 6-7 sophomore led the Beacons in rebounding with 5.5 per game while adding 10 points and 2.3 assists. Also coming in is Jaylen Minnett who netted over 16 points per game for IUPUI as a senior. These two additions should give Missouri State one of the strongest and deepest offenses in the conference.

Look for Missouri State with the returning roster and impact newcomers barring injury to be in the thick of the Missouri Valley race all season long.