Meet the Bears: Mo State Adds Top Defender and Double Threat Thompson
June 17, 2026 | Men's Basketball
SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State men's basketball head coach Cuonzo Martin announced today the addition of Christian Thompson to the Bears lineup for the upcoming 2026-27 season.Â
The 2026 Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Year averaged 9.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game at West Alabama last season where he registered 10 double-doubles. He is the seventh in a series of upcoming player announcements for Martin's squad.
"Christian is the ultimate team-first player," said Martin. "A relentless rebounder with a nose to pursue the ball. He competes with passion, leads through action, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. His commitment to the success of the whole make him invaluable."
The Birmingham, Ala., native also posted 1.3 blocks per game during his junior season at West Alabama while earning All-GSC third-team distinction. He finished 10th nationally (NCAA Division II) in rebounding and shot an efficient 60 percent from the floor while recording 10 double-doubles.
Thompson played his sophomore season at Wallace State (Ala.) Community College where he averaged 10.5 points and 11.3 rebounds per game while shooting 65.0 percent from the field. He spent his freshman season at NAIA Birmingham Southern where he played in 25 games and averaged 3.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks. He is also a product of Homewood High School in Birmingham where he was a two-time all-area and first-team all-metro selection.Â
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Previously Announced Men's Basketball Additions
The 2026 Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Year averaged 9.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game at West Alabama last season where he registered 10 double-doubles. He is the seventh in a series of upcoming player announcements for Martin's squad.
"Christian is the ultimate team-first player," said Martin. "A relentless rebounder with a nose to pursue the ball. He competes with passion, leads through action, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. His commitment to the success of the whole make him invaluable."
The Birmingham, Ala., native also posted 1.3 blocks per game during his junior season at West Alabama while earning All-GSC third-team distinction. He finished 10th nationally (NCAA Division II) in rebounding and shot an efficient 60 percent from the floor while recording 10 double-doubles.
Thompson played his sophomore season at Wallace State (Ala.) Community College where he averaged 10.5 points and 11.3 rebounds per game while shooting 65.0 percent from the field. He spent his freshman season at NAIA Birmingham Southern where he played in 25 games and averaged 3.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.8 blocks. He is also a product of Homewood High School in Birmingham where he was a two-time all-area and first-team all-metro selection.Â
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Previously Announced Men's Basketball Additions
- Jordan Blair (G/F, 6-5, 200, Jr., Keller, Texas (Keller Central High / Colorado State-Pueblo)
- Matthew Gray (F, 6-7, 205, Sr., Ashburn, Va., Flint High, Davis & Elkins)
- Kuol Kuol (F, 6-10, 210, Fr., Savannah, Ga., Oak Hill (Va.) Academy)
- Dylan Rowe (G, 6-4, 175, So., Madison, Miss., Madison Central High, Jones College)
- Ngundeng Ruey (F, 6-10, 205, Jr., Ottawa, Ontario, St Patrick's High, Mineral Area CC)Â
- Kevin Stubblefield Jr (G, 6-5, 193, Jr., Omaha, Neb., Westside High, Connors State (Okla.)
- Christian Thompson (F, 6-8, 205, Sr., Birmingham, Ala., Homewood High, West Alabama)
- Amare Oba (F, 6-6, 185, Fr., Henderson, Nev., Coronado High)
Wednesday, June 17
Wednesday, June 17
Wednesday, June 17
Monday, June 15
