On Wednesday, Missouri State men's basketball head coach Cuonzo Martin announced the receipt of National Letters of Intent from two high school prospects for the 2010-11 season. A third player committed to play for the Bears on Thursday.
Committing to Missouri State were:
- Nathan Scheer (6-5, 200, F, Washington, Mo., St. Francis Borgia High)
- Corey Copeland (6-3, 180, G, Fort Smith, Ark., Northside High)
- Aaron Cooper (5-11, 170, G, Jacksonville, Ark., North Pulaski High)
Scheer, a student with a 3.95 grade-point average, was a consensus Missouri Class 4 All-State pick last season. He helped lead coach Dave Neier's St. Francis Borgia High School to a 28-3 overall record and Missouri state title last season after averaging 15.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game as a prep junior. He also led Borgia in scoring and rebounding as a sophomore with a 17.1 scoring average to go with 5.7 rebounds. An inside/outside threat, he showed good range with 41 three-pointers last season, while posting 60 assists and 44 steals and making good on 53-percent of his field goal attempts.
Copeland helped his Fort Smith (Ark.) Northside squad to the Arkansas Class 7A quarterfinals last season, earning All-State honors and earning a spot on the State All-Tournament Team. He averaged 15.2 points per game and led his team in field goal percentage. He holds a 3.4 grade-point average and is considered an athletic player with outstanding leaping and shooting abilities. Martin calls Copeland a slasher who can make shots and play three different positions.
Cooper averaged 18.0 points and 4.1 assists as a prep junior a year ago at North Pulaski (Ark.) High. He made 82-percent of his free throws and knocked down 53-percent of his three-point field goal attempts. He is a reputable defender who uses his quickness to create offense, and has a great instinct for the game. Martin says Cooper has the potential to be a great on-ball defender which complements his skills as a scoring point guard. His father, Raymond, is also Cooper's high school and AAU coach
"I am excited about this class," said Bears' head coach Cuonzo Martin. "The players are all good shooters who can make plays off the dribble. We feel that they really address a need we have, and we are very proud to welcome them to the Missouri State family."
The Bears open their 2009-10 season Monday night at JQH Arena against Auburn for a 7:05 p.m. tipoff. Tickets are available by calling (417) 836-7678 or on-line at www.MissouriStateTix.com.
