SPRINGFIELD — Shoes were squeaking and whistles were heard inside Great Southern Bank Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Missouri State men’s basketball opened its first official practice with a new crop of players.
“It felt good, it was great energy," head coach Cuonzo Martin said. "I think we've had that all summer long. The energy's been good, the focus has been good and they have a desire to get better. They try to celebrate sacrifice."
The Bears finished last season with a 16-18 record, but they made noise down the stretch. Missouri State reached the semifinals of the Conference USA Tournament, only falling to Louisiana Tech by three points. In the tournament, the Bears earned a signature win by defeating No. 1 seed Liberty.
injury report leading into Week 4 vs SMU
The Bears’ run towards the end of the season has only fueled sophomore guard Trey Williams in the offseason.
“To get the feel of the conference tournament and being in the semifinals, being 45-some minutes away from the NCAA Tournament, it was good to experience that and feel the hurt from it," Williams said. "We don't want to feel that hurt no more."
Williams’ return to Missouri State was crucial. The sophomore guard put together an impressive opening year. He started every game averaging 29.6 minutes. He averaged 9.7 points and shot 40% from behind the 3-point line.
“I've had to take a leadership role because I've been through the system," Williams said. "I never had a thought to go into the portal. It was best for me and my development to come back another year instead of money chasing, knowing I have trust in them and they have trust in me."
12 new players have joined Missouri State’s roster this season. Melakih Cunningham, Cameron Boone and Williams are the team’s only three returners. Martin said it’s not difficult to build a new roster and play cohesive basketball, akin to a teacher with a new class each year.
“Not for me, you ask a professor when they have a new class," Martin said. "It's a new classroom and I enjoy teaching. That's how I look at it, you are teaching a classroom."
Missouri State will host an open practice at Noon on Saturday, Oct. 3. The Bears will begin play against Lincoln University on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Missouri State’s first five home games
- Missouri State vs Lincoln, Nov. 3
- vs Truman State, Nov. 6
- vs Newman, Nov. 10
- vs Abilene Christian, Nov. 16
- vs Drake, Nov. 21
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Missouri State athletics for The Springfield News-Leader. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@usatodayco.com
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State basketball opens first practice with 'great energy'
