MSU’s Kyle Weems picked as MVC preseason POY (w/ video)

This is one of our favorite Weems photos, straight from The Courts Summer Pro-Am. Photo: Alex Stocksdale/TAGsgf.com

To no one’s surprise, Missouri State senior Kyle Weems was chosen as the Missouri Valley Conference’s preseason Player of the Year Tuesday. During last season’s first-ever MVC regular-season championship, the versatile senior averaged 16.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, while making 66 3-pointers and coming up with 48 steals.

2011-12 MVC Preseason All-Conference Team

• Jake Odum, Indiana State, G, 6-4, 170, So., Terre Haute (Ind.) South Vigo High
• Doug McDermott, Creighton, F, 6-7, 220, So., Ames (Iowa) High
• Toure’ Murry, Wichita State, G, 6-5, 203, Sr., Houston (Texas) Klein Forest High
• Colt Ryan, Evansville, G/F, 6-5, 210, Jr., Batesville (Ind.) High
• Kyle Weems, Missouri State, F, 6-6, 226, Sr., Topeka (Kan.) Highland Park High

Honorable Mention: Gregory Echenique, Creighton; Anthony James, UNI; Rayvonte Rice, Drake; Mamadou Seck, Southern Illinois; Antoine Young, Creighton.

According to MSU’s sports information department, Weems is rated as the No. 38 Division I player by CBSSports.com, No. 27 by BasketballProspectus.com and is one of just three returning D-I players who averaged at least 16.0 points and 6.0 rebounds with at least 60 three-pointers.

TAGsgf.com caught up with Weems at MSU Media Day to talk about the turbulent offseason, his role on this year’s team and season expectations.