VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University All-American and 2024 NJCAA Central District Tournament MVP Michael Osei-Bonsu (Bolingbrook, Ill.) announced on social media earlier this week that he has committed to playing next season at NCAA Division I Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo.
“I committed to Missouri State University because I developed a bond with the head coach, assistant coach and the rest of the coaching staff,” Osei-Bonsu said. “I loved the campus and I felt like that’s where my heart was telling me to go.”
Osei-Bonsu guided the Trailblazers to a combined 60-10 record over the last two seasons, including two trips to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament and a berth in the Elite Eight as a freshman.
Osei-Bonsu also led the Blazers to the 2024 NJCAA Division I Region 24 regular season and tournament Championships, earning tournament Most Valuable Player honors after a monster 33-point, 15-rebound double-double in VU’s semifinal win over John A. Logan College.
Osei-Bonsu finished out his sophomore campaign by averaging 12.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
Osei-Bonsu ranked 22nd in the country in rebounds per game, while also averaging 4.5 offensive rebounds per game, which was third in the NJCAA this past season.
Osei-Bonsu recorded 11 double-doubles this season for VU and finished his two-years in the Blue and Gold with 17 total double-doubles.
Michael set his career high in points in the previously mentioned Region 24 semifinal when he led the Blazers with 33 points. Osei-Bonsu’s VU career-high in rebounds came against Richard J. Daley earlier this season, when he finished with 19 rebounds, including 11 offensive rebounds.
The honors and accolades came rolling in for Osei-Bonsu as a member of the Trailblazers, being named to the All-Region 24 team twice, earning Region 24 tournament MVP honors and being named a Third-Team NJCAA Division I All-American.
Osei-Bonsu became the 55th NJCAA All American in Vincennes University men’s basketball history and 19th All American under NJCAA Hall of Fame Head Coach Todd Franklin.
“I feel like it is a great honor to be named an NJCAA All American this past season and to have my name on the banner with other VU greats that I look up to,” Osei-Bonsu added. “I have made some great memories at Vincennes University and it feels great to leave on such a great note.”
“I have made so many great memories at VU,” Osei-Bonsu added. “It is hard to just pick one. I would say I really enjoyed bonging and hanging out with the team and the coaching staff.”
Osei-Bonsu will be joining a Missouri State squad coming off of a 17-16 season this past year, including an 8-12 record in Missouri Valley Conference play.
Michael will get the chance to play under Head Coach Cuonzo Martin, who will be beginning his second stint as Head Coach of the Bears, after having previous coaching stops at Tennessee, California and Missouri.
Osei-Bonsu is the second Trailblazer to transfer to Missouri State University, following Loomis Gerring who joined the Bears in 2014.
“I know VU has prepared me to stay on top of my work and to always try my hardest to put my best effort into all of my academic assignments,” Osei-Bonsu said. “I would also say that the coaches at VU taught me to play my absolute best at every game and they have given me so many tips and lessons that I definitely will carry on to Missouri State University.”
The Vincennes University Athletic Department would like to congratulate Michael Osei-Bonsu on his commitment to continuing his education at Missouri State University and wishes him good luck as he continues his basketball career next season.
