The Missouri State Bears basketball team is the NCAA Division I men's basketball program of Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. The Bears compete in the Missouri Valley Conference. They are currently coached by Cuonzo Martin. Missouri State plays its home games at the 11,000-seat Great Southern Bank Arena.
The Bears have been a Division I school since the 1982–83 season. Prior to 2005, the school was known as Southwest Missouri State. Missouri State has appeared six times in the NCAA tournament, most recently in 1999. The Bears most notable NCAA tournament run came in 1999 when they advanced to the Sweet 16, defeating #5 seed Wisconsin and #4 seed Tennessee.
Prior to joining Division I, they were members of the NAIA, winning national championships in 1952 and 1953, and NCAA Division II, where they were the national runner-up four times (1959, 1967, 1969, 1974). They were also champions of the 2010 CollegeInsider.com Tournament.
Head coaches
Postseason
NCAA Division I Tournament results
The Bears have appeared in six NCAA Division I Tournaments, all as Southwest Missouri State. Their combined record is 3–6.
NCAA Division II Tournament results
The Bears appeared in ten NCAA Division II Tournaments. Their combined record is 23–10.
NAIA Tournament results
The Bears appeared in six NAIA Tournaments. Their combined record is 15–4 and are two time NAIA national champions (1952, 1953).
NIT results
The Bears have appeared in 10 National Invitation Tournaments (NIT). Their combined record is 10–10.
CIT results
The Bears have appeared in two CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournaments (CIT). Their combined record is 4–1 and were the 2010 Champions.
Retired numbers
- Notes
Bears in NBA
Draft
The following former Missouri State players were drafted into the NBA:
- Don Anielak
- Merton Bancroft
- Joe Beck
- Winston Garland
- Forrest Hamilton
- Keith Hilliard
- Jack Israel
- Alize Johnson
- Bud Julian
- Bill Lea
- Jonathan Mogbo
- Curtis Perry
- Russ Robinson
- Lou Shephard
- Preston Ward
References
External links
- Official website
