For the fourth time since joining the Missouri Valley Conference, the Missouri State Bears are picked second in the men’s basketball poll that came out this morning. Cuonzo Martin guided his squad to a 24-12 tally last year and a postseason championship – even if it was the CollegeInsider.com.

Wichita State grabbed 33 or 39 first-place votes (382 total points) for first. Two first-place votes went to MSU (313), followed by Northern Iowa (289) and Creighton (282). League coaches, media and sports information directors make up the vote.

Junior Kyle Weems was named to the Preseason All-MVC team. Weems averaged team-bests 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds as a sophomore (All-MVC second-team and NABC All-Region second team). MSU senior Adam Leonard was named Preseason All-MVC honorable mention. He made a school-record 103 three-pointers (10.3 points per game) and was name the Valley’s Newcomer of the Year.

Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll

1. Wichita State – 382 (33)
2. Missouri State – 313 (2)
3. Northern Iowa – 289 (3)
4. Creighton – 282
5. Bradley – 264 (2)
6. Illinois State – 165
7. Indiana State – 136
8. Drake – 121
9. Southern Illinois – 120
10. Evansville – 73

Preseason All-Valley Team

Kyle Weems, Missouri State
*Kenny Lawson, Creighton
Kwadzo Ahelegbe, Northern Iowa
Sam Mainscalo, Bradley
Toure Murry, Wichita State

* – Preseason Player of the Year

Here’s a little video fix if you’re craving Bears basketball now

Last year’s classic with Northern Iowa

Overtime win against Indiana State