It has been 10,000 days since Missouri State’s last NCAA Tournament game. The team is looking to end this drought with a retooled roster under the guidance of coach Cuonzo Martin.

Challenges and Changes

The Bears have experienced significant changes since their last NCAA Tournament appearance, including six head coaches, a brand overhaul, and a shift in conference affiliation from the Missouri Valley to Conference USA.

Despite these challenges, the team has often fielded a competitive mid-major product, registering seven 20-win seasons and coming close to making the NCAA Tournament on multiple occasions.

Coach Martin’s Vision

Coach Martin believes that the team’s new roster, which includes additions such as 6-10 forward Andrej Acimovic and 7-footer Isaiah Medina, has the potential to compete in Conference USA.

Martin emphasized the importance of having a strong roster, stating that it’s not just about recruiting and outworking other teams, but also about having the necessary resources, including money for players.

The team’s revenue share for players has more than tripled between the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons, but it still ranks among the bottom half of Conference USA programs.

Looking Ahead

Athletic director Patrick Ransdell expressed optimism about the team’s chances, stating that they have raised more NIL money than last year and have a roster that can compete in the conference.

Coach Martin and the team are focused on winning games and making a strong run in the conference tournament, with the ultimate goal of returning to the NCAA Tournament.

Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.