2006 Missouri State Bears Basketball Preview

2006 Missouri State Bears Basketball Predictions

Missouri State (22- 9 overall and 12- 6 in MVC) came in 2 games behind Wichita in conference play, earning them a three-way tie for second place. They made it to the NIT, where they lost to Louisville 74- 56 in the quarterfinals. This season the Bears desperately want to make it to the NCAA Tournament, where they haven’t been since 1999.

Guard Blake Ahearn (16.2 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 2.5 APG) is an accurate shooter, although he needs to get the rest of his game up to par. Ahearn is as dangerous as any shooting guard—able to hit threes, foul shots and inside drives. Point guard Tyler Chaney (8.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.7 APG) is a big man who can create match-up dilemmas. He must handle the ball with more care.

Senior forward Nathan Bilyeu (9.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.6 APG) is a tenacious rebounder, while center Sky Frazier (7.0 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 0.2 APG) can be a force if he can stay out of foul trouble. Drew Richards (4.2 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 0.6 APG) backs up Frazier. Dale Lamberth (7.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 0.7 APG) hit 52% from the court and 46% of his downtown shots.

Head coach Barry Hinson (130- 90 in 7 years) hasn’t forgotten last year’s snub by the NCAA. He and his team are on a mission, which includes the MVC Championship, which is definitely an attainable goal. Hinson has made up for potential shortfalls recruiting talented freshmen and transfers.

This is perhaps the best balanced team in the league. Still, the MVC has a cadre of topnotch teams. Missouri State will have to duke it out with Southern Illinois, Wichita State and Creighton—that is no easy task.

If you want more info on the 2006 Missouri State Bears College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check view other mid major previews from MadduxSports.com of universities like the New Mexico State Aggies and Nevada Wolfpack.