MBU Basketball – Next Generation

(St. Louis, MO) – The next generation of Missouri Baptist basketball has a blend of established veterans and exciting new talent. MBU has an established star in forward Pablo Hernandez and a collection of veteran contributors.

Head coach Matt Brock’s team graduated two-time all-american Fitzgerald Hopkins, double-digit scorer Johnny Benson and defensive stopper Andrew Howard, so rebuilding the Spartan roster was doubly important this season.

Australian senior recruits Callum Barker and Kai Woodfall bring instant experience and talent. The two former Australian national team teammates have joined the Spartans to nurture the next generation of MBU players. Woodfall, a 6′ guard, signed first and recommended his 6’9 friend to Brock.

The fourth year coach says Barker, a former Bradley Brave could be a significant force and should work well with fellow forward Hernandez.

 

 

Potential Stars

Woodfall and fellow transfer Keymonta Johnson have the potential to be elite level NAIA players. Woodfall, a Southwest Baptist transfer is an exceptional shooter and can play both guard positions. Johnson, from Illinois Valley Community College is a 6’2 ‘stat stuffing’ wing.

Johnson averaged 21.6 points, 11 rebounds and 5.4 assists for the 19-13 Eagles. The American Midwest Conference is loaded with outstanding wing players and Brock believes Johnson can join that group.

 

 

St. Louis Area Players

Brock has always believed in recruiting St. Louis area players. Two such players are part of the next generation of area recruits. 5’11 junior guard Jermar Perkins was a prolific scorer at University City High School and has transferred to MBU from Florida Southwestern State, while 6’4 freshman Brendon Hardy was a 1,500 point career scorer at Farmington High School.

Brock says roughly half of the Spartan roster is from the region closest to the MBU West St. Louis County campus.

 

 

Roster Balance

Having talent in each class is an important aspect of building a roster. The other freshman in this year’s recruiting class is Owensboro, Kentucky’s Hayden Shelton. The 6’2 guard helped lead his team to the State of Kentucky’s Sweet Sixteen. His 13.4 scoring average speaks to his ability to play with or without the ball.

Brock says it is critical that his roster has four-year players that carry forward the Spartan culture. By finding a talented player in Kentucky opens up a whole new recruiting region.

 

 

This is one of Brock’s largest recruiting classes and represents the next generation of Spartan success. MBU is 59-34 in Brock’s three-year tenure and is hoping to climb the AMC power structure. Last year’s fourth-place finish was MBU’s best under Brock.

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