The Bluejays suffered another second half collapse at the hands of Illinois State on Wednesday night. Luckily, not a lot of people got to see the game on TV. However, the ones that did probably wanted to throw their remote at their TV. The viewing audience for Sunday’s home game against Missouri State will likely be a bit larger, with ESPNU beaming the broadcast around the world.
The Bears have been the surprise of the Valley this season as they started out the conference season undefeated at 13-0 until they got to Arkansas, where they lost in overtime. Eight games into conference play, MSU is at .500 and tied with Creighton for fourth place.
But not being able to see Missouri State play much this season, we at White & Blue Review still had some questions about this Bears squad. Fortunately, Lyndal Scranton of the Springfield News-Leader took some time with share his insights about the Bears before Sunday’s matchup.
White & Blue Review: Is it safe to say Barry Hinson was a polarizing figure during his last few years at Missouri State, because of his teams’ apparent inability to get over the hump and into the NCAA Tournament? Comparatively, how has the fan base embraced Cuonzo Martin?
Lyndal Scranton: That describes it pretty well. Barry was recognized, even by most detractors, as a great guy. But not getting to the NCAA Tournament took its toll. His teams had a couple of narrow misses, but didn’t get in. At most school that care deeply about basketball, it’s all about getting to the tourney. Cuonzo Martin has been embraced widely. He’s unified all segments of a somewhat fractured fan base. But by next year, the pressure probably will start mounting on him to get the program over the hump.
WBR: What was the buzz around Springfield when Missouri State started off undefeated in the non-conference up until the Arkansas game? What were people saying about this team after the fast start?
LS: The buzz was pretty loud. I think it also might have created a false sense of just how good this team was. With 7 new players, the scheduled benefited the team with 7 of the first 10 games at home. I suspected that this team was not 10-0 good. It’s also better than it’s played of late. The truth lies somewhere in the middle.
WBR: We read your piece about MSU’s defensive issues today. Coach Martin mentions mental toughness for 40 minutes as a key attribute to great defense. Who is Missouri State’s best defender? Who on this year’s team can (and has) exhibited that ability to lock down?
LS: The team lacks a true lockdown defender. Freshman guard Keith Pickens, who started the first 16 games, has been good at times but often gets into foul trouble. Juco small forward Jermaine Mallett and juco guard Nafis Ricks have been good defensively at times. Defense is a work in progress for the team.
WBR: Last season, MSU ranked 243rd in the nation in points per possession. So far this season, the Bears rank 46th in that statistic. Their efficiency rating has improved to similar levels. What has changed with the offense? In what areas has Martin’s team realized the biggest improvements? Personnel? Strategy?
LS: Guard Adam Leonard, a transfer from Eastern Kentucky, has tremendous range in shooting the 3. Sophomore forward Kyle Weems has improved his outside shot. Those two must be respected from the outside and that’s opened more opportunities for others as well. Mallett can make plays off the dribble. Those elements all were missing last season.
WBR: Which player has been the biggest surprise for Missouri State this season?
LS: Probably Kyle Weems. He showed much promise as a freshman. But he’s put himself into discussion as an all-MVC forward this season. I knew he would be better, maybe not to this extent.
WBR: What are some of the weaknesses shown by the Bears that have caused them to struggle a bit since conference season started?
LS: Guarding the 3-pointer. MSU is allowing opponents to shoot 46% from long range in Valley games. Offensively, production from the post has not been consistent.
WBR: Last season when Missouri State came into the Qwest Center and Weems got off to a fast start, it appeared he was making some gestures to the Creighton bench after hitting some of those shots. Is he just that confident in his abilities or is there some bad blood between Kyle and the Creighton coaching staff?
LS: Weems is a terrific kid. No bad blood there that I’m aware of. He is an emotional player who will react to a big play or shot with a fist pump or a shout. It’s spontaneous and I don’t think he takes into consideration which direction he’s facing when he reacts.
WBR: How healthy are the Bears entering the weekend? Leonard says he will play despite back spasms; anyone else hurting for MSU?
LS: Just the normal everyday aches that teams have this time of the season.
WBR: What does next year’s recruiting class look like for Martin? How many open spots do they have? What areas of the country do you see as Martin’s main focal points?
LS: Bears currently are out of scholarships for next season. They’ve signed a wing forward from Washington, Mo., a shooting guard, and a point guard (both from Arkansas). His philosophy on recruiting is to first find the best possible players in Missouri and neighboring states before venturing to different time zones.
WBR: What does Missouri State need to do to win in Omaha Sunday night? What is your final prediction?
LS: Offensive patience while handling Creighton’s various pressure defenses. MSU has been vulnerable at times to full-court pressure. Weems must stay out of foul trouble and Leonard has to play without back spasms flaring again. If Creighton continues to struggle from 3-point range it could be a game. My best guess would be Creighton 68, Missouri St. 64.
