SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State men's basketball coach Dana Ford announced today (Nov. 13) the receipt of a National Letter of Intent from high school senior Julius "King" Thedford to join the Bears in 2024-25.

Bedford is a 6-foot-4, 198-pound senior at Cordova High School in Memphis, Tenn. 247Sports rates him as a three-star player and as the No. 6 prospect in the 2024 class from Tennessee. HoopSeen.com charts Thedford as the No. 4 player in Tennessee in this year's senior class.

"We are extremely excited to add 'King' to our program," said Bears head coach Dana Ford. "He is a relentless competitor who impacts winning on a high level. He has toughness, a strong skill set, and knowledge to help contribute from day one."

He joins coach Terrance Scales' program after a standout effort for MoKan Elite on the summer circuit.

Before coming to Cordova, he averaged 23.8 points per game as a junior last winter at Whitehaven High School for coach Willie Kemp's Tigers. Whitehaven was 23-4 his sophomore season.

Thedford is Missouri State's first men's basketball commitment for the 2024-25 season.