Bears Recruiting

by **BEARZ77** » April 19th, 2024, 9:25 am

With 9 scholarships to fill, the Bears have started the process with 3 commits since Cuonzo Martin's hire . Two transfers and a HS prospect have committed to the Bears so far. Included:

Vincent Brady II, 6'4 Junior guard transfer from IUPUI; averaged about 10 ppg over his first 2 years there. Physical wing type player.

Sam Murray II, 6'9 Junior forward transfer from Murray St. Hasn't played much for the Racers, was originally recruited by Zo at MU as well.

Zaxton King, 6'2 , freshman combo guard, Lawrence, Kansas. High scoring guard , but not a lot of attention in recruiting process. But not uncommon for HS seniors now.

Bears still need alot, especially on front line, and also a point guard or 2 would be nice. Still waiting but becoming less hopeful about returns of Mayo and Edwards.

**Sponsor**

by **BEARZ77** » April 27th, 2024, 3:50 pm

Bears add 2 today: Wesley Oba is a 6'8 5th yr transfer from Delaware St. Averaged 6 ppg, 6 rbs. Looks like veteran bench help. The second is Mozae Downing-Rivers 6'6 starting pg for Juco national champion Barton CC. Averaged around 10 ppg and over 5 assists over 2 seasons. Didn't have as productive a soph season as frosh, but they did win the natty.

by **BEARZ77** » May 2nd, 2024, 8:23 am

Big pickup today for Zo and the Bears, 6'6 Jurrell Baldwin, out of Hyde Park Academy in Illinois. Staff's Chicago connections paying off early .Baldwin an athletic wing who plays defense, can handle, and shoot the trey.

by **BEARZ77** » May 2nd, 2024, 12:38 pm

Bears add one of the more unique juco players in Michael Osei- Bonsu. He goes 6'5 , about 265 and is a real load down low. Played for Vincennes Juco. Averaged right at 12ppg and 10 rbs. We needed to add some girth down low , lol.

by **BEARZ77** » May 8th, 2024, 12:10 pm

Bears add 2 to the guard mix. Picked up 5'9, CJ Gaines , a freshman from Georgia who will be a PWO this coming year. Quick little pg.

In a move both needed and anticipated , Bears get commit from Dez White 6'2, transfer from Austin Peay. White originally signed with Zo and MU out of Jeff City Helias, but when Zo left MU, White spent a year of prep school and then played for former MSU assistant coach Corey Gibson at AP last year. Set the AP record for treys by a frosh. Bears needed a three point threat beyond SLU transfer Nick Kramer who missed most of last year, and White fits the bill.

Things moving along, need some front court help yet, but have 3 scholys left to fill.

by **BEARZ77** » May 9th, 2024, 12:00 pm

Bears continue to build a roster nabbing 6'10, 235, Allen Udemadu from Morgan St. Averaged 8 ppg and 7 rbs last year. He's got 1 year; gives Bears a larger body for help down low, especially defensively. Bears down to 2 open Scholys; could use a tall wing/stretch 4 type, and we're sitting with a roster that at least covers most bases.

by **BEARZ77** » May 9th, 2024, 1:22 pm

Zo hard at it; just added 6'7 Jalen Hampton from south Plains juco. Quite an odyssey for Jalen; signed with Bears out of Link Prep, but then left and followed assistant coach Corey Gipson to NW ST. Started as frosh and averaged 10 ppg and about 7 rbs. Left there and played at South Plains juco [ where we got Prim from] and now has come back to Mo St. averaged 13 ppg, 9 rbs, shot 62% fg, and 74% ft. Only knock is he doesn't shoot the trey. Down to 1 open scholy.

by **BCPanther** » May 9th, 2024, 3:07 pm

The pieces are intriguing. No idea how they fit together but they're certainly intriguing.

by **BEARZ77** » May 9th, 2024, 3:40 pm

BCPanther wrote:The pieces are intriguing. No idea how they fit together but they're certainly intriguing.

They looked to have covered most bases ; it's a long and fairly experienced group. Got some front court depth today, have multiple guys who have been double digit D-1 scorers, a couple of high level jucos, and I really like the Baldwin kid out of Chicago, 6'6-6'7 and can play on the wing. Hampton is a guy who can do 12 and 8 in our league. Time will tell.

by **BEARZ77** » May 25th, 2024, 6:55 am

Bears look to have completed their roster with the addition of 6'2 guard Makhai Valentine from Link Prep in Branson. Explosive athlete who averaged 36 ppg in Mudhall, Penn. as a senior before heading to Link. Got a decent stroke and likes to get to the rim and flush.

Bears look pretty solid across the roster now with no glaring holes . Have decent size and length, some proven scorers and backcourt quickness. Now just gotta mold it into a team. I think we will surprise .