Mizzou Links, 6-7-13

Rob Z is a Cubbie, football players are big nerds, basketball players respect their (barely) elders, and the Mizzou defensive line could be a lot worse.

By Bill Connelly@SBN_BillC Jun 7, 2013, 4:52am CDT

1. A Tiger is a Cubbie

MUtigers.com: Zastryzny Drafted in Second Round by Cubs
The Trib: Zastryzny picked in second round of MLB draft
Post-Dispatch: No curse for Zastryzny: Cubs draft MU ace
Post-Dispatch: Mizzou's future could hinge on MLB draft

At the very least, the Cubs might one day lead the league in Z's in the pitching rotation (/Jeff Samardzija joke).

2. NERRRRRRRRRRRRRRDS

MUtigers.com: Mizzou Football Lauded by NCAA for Top-10 APR Rank
KC Star: Mizzou football team recognized for academic achievement

3. Okay, this is pretty cool

KC Star: MU basketball trend: keep the predecessor’s jersey number

Interestingly enough, several members of Frank Haith’s incoming five-man recruiting class – all of whom arrived on campus this week, a team spokesman confirmed Thursday – have chosen to wear the numbers of their recent predecessors at their prospective positions.

For instance, four-star point guard Wes Clark of Romulus, Mich., will follow in the footsteps of Phil Pressey – MU’s all-time assist leader – and wear No. 1, while another point guard, Shane Rector of South Kent, Conn., will don the No. 11 last worn by Pressey’s former backcourt mate and Lee’s Summit West grad, Michael Dixon Jr.

That’s not all, either. Freshman Torren Jones, a three-star power forward from LaPorte, Ind., will don the No. 24 last worn by star guard Kim English, who famously moved to the position as a senior and thrived during MU’s 30-5 campaign in 2011-2012.

4. Hopefully he's still happy about it in late-November

ESPN.com (SEC Blog): Gary Pinkel happy with his defensive line

When it comes to the defensive tackle spot, the Tigers don't have another Richardson to work with, but there is talent inside. Junior Matt Hoch really impressed this spring, and has always been a guy with a great motor. He might not have showed up on the stat sheet as much as Richardson, but he knew how to get to and make plays last season. He continued that this spring.

Then there is redshirt freshman Harold Brantley, who came on strong as well at defensive tackle this spring. He has good size at 6-foot-3, 300 pounds and is a very athletic player. He doesn't have any college experience, but Pinkel was pretty excited about the progress Brantley made during the spring.

And speaking of cool things that happen in November...
MUtigers.com: Memorable Moments from the 2012-13 Season: Tennessee