Ryder Cheesman, an Australian point guard, became the second player to commit this offseason to commit to Missouri State basketball and coach Cuonzo Martin.
Cheesman announced his commitment in an Instagram post. He joins Missouri Southern transfer Tyrique Brooks as those who have committed to the Bears since the end of the season.
Cheesman played this past season with the Knox Raiders, an Australian semi-professional club in the NBL1 league.
At 6-foot-4, Cheesman also recently participated in the U20 National Championships, where he led his team to a national title. He averaged 18.8 points, 5.5 boards and 4.2 assists and was considered the tournament's breakout star.
He represented Australia in the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, where he averaged seven points and 4.3 rebounds. He also contributed to Australia's FIBA U16 gold medal team, where he averaged 10.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
Information on Cheesman's recruitment is limited. Among those following him on X include coaches from UAB, Georgia Southern, Montana, Elon, High Point and others.
Cheesman becomes the third incoming freshman on scholarship to commit to the Bears, which also includes Trey Williams Jr. and Melakih Cunningham.
Ten players from the 2024-25 Bears have entered the transfer portal, leaving Martin with two players who were on scholarship last season.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Ryder Cheesman: Missouri State basketball lands Australian point guard
