Though Missouri State doesn't
have a team playing in March Madness, there are plenty of local reasons to watch the NCAA Tournament because of Springfield ties. Connections include our former area standout athletes, coaches and others affiliated with Missouri State. Many
Link Academy grads will attempt to lead their teams on deep runs. Zaide Lowery, Marquette
The former Kickapoo standout has played a big role off the Golden Eagles bench, averaging 4.1 points, three rebounds and 15.8 minutes.
Trevon Brazile, Arkansas
The former Kickapoo and Parkview standout has had some big moments for the Razorbacks. He'll likely come off the bench, but he averages 20 minutes, 6.5 points, 501 rebounds and a block.
Kael Combs, Drake
The former Nixa star has found a key defensive role off the bench for the Missouri Valley Conference champions. In the second half of the season, he averaged 15 minutes, 4.8 points and 2.1 rebounds.
Daniel Abreu, Drake
The former Willard standout, has started every game for the Bulldogs. He was an all-defensive performer in the Valley, averages 10.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, an assist and a steal.
Desmond Polk, SIU Edwardsville
The Link Year Prep grad and Yanders Law AAU standout started every game for SIUe, averaging 6.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and an assist.
Greedy Williams, UNCW
The We Are United Prep grad averages 5.5 points and became a starter in the middle of conference play.
Bella Fontleroy, Baylor
The Kickapoo great has started every Baylor game. She was an All-Big 12 Defense selection and averages 9.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.1 blocks.
Molly Miller, Grand Canyon
The former Kickapoo and Drury standout became one of the nation's best Division II coaches at Drury. She will coach in her first Division I NCAA Tournament at Grand Canyon. She has been connected to many power-conference jobs.
Missouri State basketball connections
Dajuan Harris, Kansas
Harris signed out of Rock Bridge alongside Isiaih Mosley and Ja'Monta Black. He never played for the Bears but transferred to Kansas and was the starting point guard for the 2022 national champions. He averages 9.2 points, 5.7 assists and three rebounds.
Paul Lusk, Purdue
Lusk remains an assistant coach on Matt Painter's staff at Purdue.
Drake men's basketball
The Bears took the MVC champs to overtime and lost twice during the regular season. Drake is led by first-year coach Ben McCollum, who most Bears fans wanted when the Missouri State job was vacant last offseason.
High Point men's basketball
The Bears' best win was a 71-61 victory against High Point at the Cayman Islands Classic. The Panthers won the Big South's automatic bid.
Liberty men's basketball
The Bears are moving next season to Conference USA. Liberty has been CUSA's beast team all season, giving Missouri State a glimpse of what lies ahead.
Murray State women's basketball
The Lady Bears shared a regular-season championship with Murray State, splitting the regular-season series. Missouri State will watch the Racers closely to see what could have been.
Liberty women's basketball
Like the men, the Lady Bears will watch Liberty's CUSA tournament champions for a look at what the top of their new league will look like.
Kennedy Taylor, Kansas State
Since transferring from Missouri State after last season, Taylor averages 12.7 minutes, 7.1 points and 4.7 rebounds mainly as a K-State reserve.
Former Link Academy standouts will compete for championships
Tre Johnson, Texas
Johnson could be an NBA Draft lottery pick after being named the SEC's Rookie of the Year and earning all-league honors. He averages 19.8 points.
Labaron Philon, Alabama
Philon has been a Crimson Tide starter, developing into one of its better players. He averages 10.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
TO Barrett, Missouri
The freshman's playing time has increased recently, though he averages only 5.1 minutes and 1.8 points.
Elliot Cadeau, North Carolina
The Tar Heels starting poing guard averages 9.5 points and six assists.
Felix Okpara, Tennessee
Okpara has started ever Volunteers game, averaging 7.3 points and 6.2 rebounds in his first season in Knoxville following two at Ohio State.
Tarris Reed Jr., UConn
The Big East's Sixth Man of the Year and former Link and Chaminade star averages 20 minutes, 9.7 points and 7.3 rebounds in his first season in Storrs after transferring from Michigan.
Cade Phillips, Tennessee
Phillips is a key player off the Vols bench, averaging 15 minutes, 4.8 points and 3.4 rebounds.
James Brown, North Carolina
Brown plays sparingly, averaging 2.9 minutes and 1.1 in 17 games.
Ben Linnemeyer, Tennessee
Linnemeyer appears to be redshirting this season.
Cameron Carr, Baylor
Carr transferred from Tennessee mid-season and isn't playing this year.
Jacolb Fredson-Cole, Oklahoma
Cole averages 4.6 minutes and 0.9 points in 15 games.
Trey Green, Xavier
Green appeared in nine games before leaving the team in December to deal with a health matter.
