Once again, the basketball program is causing a buzz. We knew that Leo Lyons would be announcing his go-pro decision yesterday--as expected, he decided to throw his name into the hopper without signing with an agent, so that he could go through the workouts and get evaluated. And once he's evaluated, he'll be told he's not a first rounder, and he'll most likely be back in a Mizzou uniform next year. Fine. But this is Mizzou basketball, and something unexpected always has to happen. This time, it was in the form of Demarre Carroll also declaring for the draft. Eh? Whatever makes them better players for next winter, I guess, but...EH?? Steve Walentik has more. He's relatively tactful toward Carroll's draft chances.
Carroll's decision was less expected and his draft prospects appear even slimmer. The Big 12 newcomer of the year averaged 13.0 points and a team-leading 6.7 rebounds while hampered by a sprained ankle for most of last season, but he lacks Lyons' range or athletic ability. He does not appear on the ESPN.com list, nor can his name be found on mock drafts at NBADraft.net or DraftExpress.com, though he could improve his stock for this year or next by playing well in workouts in front of professional scouts.
(I did enjoy the "So we had two NBA big men on the roster and still finished 10th last year?? Mike Anderson sucks!" comment on Tigerboard, by the way. Cracked me up.)
Dave Matter continues his Spring Review posts with a look at the linebackers.
Moving on to the other draft, the Missourian takes a look at Tigers looking to hear their name called this weekend at the NFL draft. And so does Big Head. And the Post-Dispatch reports on a former Tiger--Deke Harrington signed with the StL Rams yesterday!
MAILBAG!!!
At the NCAA Championships, Adrianne Perry did well on the vault (placing in the top 10) but fell off the beam and finished 37th in the all-around. Still quite a lovely season for the Mizzou junior.
Finally, a Yahoo fantasy writer has great things to say about Max Scherzer, whose AAA numbers have been downright sickening so far this year: 4 starts, 23 innings, 38 K's, 3 BB, only 12 hits, 1.17 ERA.