NCAA Basketball: Preseason top-25 mid-major power rankings for 2021-22 season

17. Missouri State Bears

There are plenty of “duos” among the teams on this list. But at least in the frontcourt, there may not be any as explosive as Missouri State’s Gaige Prim (16.7 ppg and 9.1 rpg), and Isiaih Mosley (19.8 ppg and 6.3 rpg). Both are outstanding offensive players and overall scorers, while the 6’7 big man Prim also was All-Defense in the Missouri Valley last season.

Both of the forwards also averaged over 3.0 apg, which both shows their versatility and also shows the backcourt issues that the Bears had at times. That changed when Demarcus Sharp was inserted into the starting lineup midway into the season, having six games of at least six assists when he became the primary ball-handler.

He’s back for another year and is joined by IUPUI transfer Jaylen Minnett. In two years as a starter, the 6’1 guard averaged 16.5 ppg and shot 35% from three-point range on over eight attempts a game. That’s important to note because with Prim and Mosley dominating inside, that’s going to open up a ton of room for Minnett on the perimeter to shoot plenty of shots, improving the offense overall.

The hope is that both Minett and Valpo forward transfer Donovan Clay gives Missouri State meaningful depth this season after playing just seven guys for the most part. The team also brings back key contributors, Ja’Monta Black, Jared Ridder, and Keaton Hervey as well, all who averaged between 7.4-9.6 ppg. In a loaded Missouri Valley Conference at the top, the Bears have the top-tier talent to compete. It’ll be up to the supporting cast to help take them over the top.