SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State men's basketball coach Cuonzo Martin has received valid financial aid agreements from two high school seniors as the first two additions to the Bears for the 2025-26 season.
 
Joining the Bears will be:

• Melakih Cunningham (G, 6-7, 196, Fr., Gary, Ind., Moravian Prep (N.C.)
• Trey Williams Jr. (G, 6-3, 180, Fr., Centralia, Ill., Vashon High School)

 
"We are thrilled to welcome two outstanding young men to our basketball program," said Martin. "Trey and Melakih embody the desire, drive, and commitment needed to excel on both ends of the floor. Both are currently working hard to help their teams compete and win at the highest level, showcasing a winning DNA that extends beyond the court and into the classroom. These two are poised to make an immediate impact on our program, and we can't wait to see what the future holds."
 
 
Cunningham is originally from Gary, Ind., and has since moved to North Carolina to complete his educational and basketball careers. He is currently a senior at Moravian Prep National in Hudson, N.C., where the standout shooting guard plays in the Elite League for coach Jeremy Ellis. As a junior, he averaged 14.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.9 assists per game at Decatur Central High in Indianapolis while shooting 31 percent from three. He spent the spring of 2024 at Crispus Attucks High School in Indy before his move to Moravian this fall. Cunningham also plays for the AAU Wildcat Select 3SSB and chose Missouri State over Ball State, Toledo and Miami (Ohio).
 
Martin on Cunningham:
"Melakih offers tremendous size, length, and versatility. He has the ability to impact the game in the paint while also being a three-point threat."
 
 
Williams has led Vashon High School in St. Louis to three consecutive Missouri state titles, including a 26-6 run for coach Tony Irons in 2023-24. As a junior, he earned all-state laurels for the first time and averaged 12.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game while making 82-of-184 (.446) 3-pointers. He also converted 89 percent at the free throw line and 49 percent overall from the field. As a sophomore, he posted 9.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game while firing at a 45-percent clip from three for a 24-7 Wolverines team. He also played a significant role on the 27-4 Vashon championship team his freshman season, scoring 6.7 points per game and converting 47 percent from beyond the arc. He enters his senior season as three-time all-district and All-Public High League selection with a 45-percent career three-point shooting percentage. Williams also plays AAU ball for the Southwestern Illinois Jets.
 
Martin on Williams:
"Trey brings a versatile skill set and high basketball IQ, giving him the ability to excel at both guard positions."
 

Martin is in his second stint at Missouri State, returning to lead the Bears program this spring after beginning his head coaching career in Springfield from 2008-11. His teams at Missouri State, Tennessee, California and Missouri have made nine postseason appearances in his 14 seasons as a Division I head coach.