Busting Brackets
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Missouri Valley Basketball: 10 biggest impact transfers midway through 2021-22

By Harry Schroeder

Bradley's Terry Roberts (0) moves the ball past Maine's Maks Klanjscek in the first half Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated the Black Bears 71-39.
Bradley's Terry Roberts (0) moves the ball past Maine's Maks Klanjscek in the first half Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021 at Carver Arena. The Braves defeated the Black Bears 71-39. /
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Head coach Dan Muller of the Illinois State Redbirds (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
Head coach Dan Muller of the Illinois State Redbirds (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

No. 6 – Mark Freeman – Illinois State

Freeman came from Tennessee State where he averaged over 17 points per game and was a second-team all-Ohio Valley Conference player. While Freeman is currently in a shooting slump (eight for his last 30 shots), his work in Normal, Illinois has been solid. He has reached double figures in scoring seven times and averages 9.9 points per game.

Muller says Freeman is the team’s first pure point guard since Paris Lee ran Muller’s offense during their 2017 conference championship season. Freeman averages just over four assists per game. He is automatic (.886) from the free-throw line and willing defender (17 steals in 13 games).

No. 5 – Thomas Kithier – Valparaiso

Kithier is another Big Ten transfer playing in northwest Indiana. The 6’8 post player has given balance to the Beacons’ offensive and defensive abilities. Kithier leads the team in rebounding (6.6 per game) and averages 9.9 points per contest. While he’s blocked just ten shots, his 235 pounds helps clog the lanes on the defensive end.

Kithier is a solid interior scorer (.602 from the field) and frees the wings for the team’s more perimeter players. The former Michigan State Spartan blew up for 28 points against UIC, 16 against Toledo, and 19 points during a win over Western Michigan. He has recorded two, double-digit rebounding games and is an able passer, averaging over two assists per game.