Springfield Standard

Missouri State University men's basketball has secured commitments from two players for the 2026-27 season. Head coach Cuonzo Martin announced that Amare Oba and Terrence Hayes Jr. signed with the Bears during the November early signing period, marking the program's first formal additions for next year.

Terrence Hayes Jr., a guard from 21st Century Charter in Gary, Indiana, averaged 20.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 3.4 steals per game as a junior last season. He led his high school team to a 21-7 record and was named an Indiana Junior All-Star. As a sophomore, he scored 18.9 points per game and played AAU basketball for Indiana Elite Grassroots.

Amare Oba is joining from Coronado High School in Henderson, Nevada, where he played under coach Jeff Kaufman after transferring from Basic High School. As a junior at Basic High School, Oba averaged 28.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game and was ranked as the second-leading scorer in Nevada for the 2024-25 season under coach James DiNicola. He previously attended Overtime Elite during the 2023-24 academic year and participated in the Chris Paul Skills Camp in 2024.

Cuonzo Martin expressed optimism about both recruits: "Terrence Hayes is a quick, talented athlete with the skill to score. He comes from a region of the country where they play with edge, heart and grit. Amare Oba is a high-level high school shooter who is long and athletic. His versatility and upside are impressive. Both guys work to be good defenders and play with a competitive spirit."