BOSTON -- Missouri State guard Nafis Ricks (Jr., Philadelphia, Pa.) has been named to the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Defensive All-America Team, the web site announced this week.

Ricks notched 25 steals and eight blocked shots in his first season at Missouri State, but often drew the toughest defensive assignment for Cuonzo Martin's squad. The 2008-09 junior college player of the year was previously named to the MVC All-Bench team after finishing with 7.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game while accumulating 96 assists.

The CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Defensive All-America team is one team consisting of 20 players. Division I coaches and NBA scouts are part of the selection process, but final decision rests with the site staff.

The only other Missouri Valley Conference player on the Defensive All-America squad was senior Dinma Odiakosa from Illinois State. The 20-man team consists of 13 seniors and five juniors, including Ricks.

Missouri State finished the 2009-10 campaign with a 24-12 record after winning the CIT Postseason Tournament. The Bears were 19-2 at JQH Arena this season, tying with Kansas for the national lead in home wins. MSU returns all five postseason starters next season and 11 squad members overall.

 2009-10 CollegeInsider.com Defensive All-America Team