Mizzou in the Pros: Clarkson shines in Summer League, Oriakhi's rights belong to Sacramento

Thanks to Fullback's (much appreciated) efforts, I haven't written a Links post in about a week and a half. It feels strange. This isn't a links post of sorts, but ... how's everybody doing??

1. Clarkson starts strong

Jordan Clarkson finished with 21 points, four rebounds, and three assists in his summer league debut for the Lakers yesterday. Our friends at Silver Screen and Roll were impressed.

The importance of a point guard who can score especially hit home during this game since as bad as the Lakers looked with Marshall as the lead, they were downright electric once Jordan Clarkson took the reins of the offense. We knew Clarkson was athletic and could get to the rim -- although perhaps not that athletic or good at finishing; Clarkson had some impressive buckets, especially after absorbing contact -- but he looked very comfortable consistently running the high pick-and-roll and making solid reads while keeping his dribble alive. Due to his first step, he commanded the opposing help defense the entire day and was making correct passes to the corner or wing for shooters or cutters on the baseline. He even addressed some of the issues with his outside shooting, as he hit a few threes in spot-up situations, although he also showed that he needs a bit of work on his midrange pull-up jumper.

That's pretty much everything you'd hope to read. Hopefully we read something close to that many times.

(Meanwhile, Alex Oriakhi's draft rights were part of a sign-and-trade deal that sent Isaiah Thomas from the Kings to the Suns.)

2. Ricker

It's a recruiting dead period, so there aren't many "Who's Mizzou's next commitment?" leads at the moment. PowerMizzou's Pete Scantlebury took advantage of the time to take a look at A.J. Ricker's recruiting record at Illinois. The short version: lots of linemen, a few Texans. Can't hurt.

3. #WC14

There are only two matches left in this year's World Cup. It got drowned out by the LeBron news, but SB Nation's World Cup finals preview is preeeeeetttttttty.

Here's to a lovely weekend. Looks like the weather might or might not cooperate.