What's On
Not the greatest quality, and it'll probably be taken down at some point, but...
So far Bomani Jones (at a potentially NSFW site) and MTV's Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib have done the best jobs of putting thoughts and words to emotions following Prince's death yesterday. Feel free to share other good pieces you may have found if you so choose ... 2016 is not yet four months old and has already taken away Prince, Bowie, and Merle ... plus Phife and like 20 others. Not a fan of 2016.
On to actual Mizzou stuff...
Programming note:
It appears J'Den's run at the Olympic trials in Mongolia will begin on Saturday evening (our time).
MUtigers.com: Cox Ready for Olympic Games World Qualifying Tournament in Mongolia
More on Gant:
Sam will have a post up later today regarding the transfer of Jakeenan Gant and the impact it might have. For now, here are some links.
The Trib: Gant transferring from Missouri, leaves behind a thin frontcourt
His departure leaves Missouri with a serious shortage of frontcourt players. Incumbent starter Kevin Puryear, the team’s leading scorer and second-leading rebounder, and rising senior Russell Woods are the team’s only returning big men. The Tigers have added Texas transfer Jordan Barnett, though he was expected to play on the wing and won’t be eligible until December, along with incoming freshmen Reed Nikko and Mitchell Smith.
Missouri has two scholarships it can use on the 2016-17 roster, though it had been expected to hold one to absorb a self-imposed scholarship reduction to help resolve its NCAA case. There is a thin pool of potential frontcourt targets with the NCAA’s spring signing period already more than a week old.
Post-Dispatch: Gant becomes latest roster casualty for Mizzou
KC Star: Mother’s health prompts MU forward Jakeenan Gant to seek transfer
His departure leaves the Tigers with two vacant scholarships again. The program must forfeit one in 2016-17 or 2017-18 under the terms of self-imposed sanctions.
Assuming Missouri can document a relevant medical need for Gant to move closer to home, the program can petition the NCAA for an adjustment on its Academic Progress Rate score for 2015-16.
The Tigers received good news Wednesday when the APR for Anderson’s first season (976) was announced, but the program must continue to buoy an 851 from Haith’s final season for two more APR cycles.
The Missourian: Jakeenan Gant leaves Missouri men's basketball program
Spring ball post-mortem links:
Post-Dispatch: Mizzou spring review: Offense gets makeover
"Me being the type of guy I am and being a competitor, I believe I’m the No. 1 receiver," said [J'Mon] Moore, who led MU with 29 catches for 350 yards last season. "But we’re all going to work and compete. We all have big play ability and coach is going to find ways to get all of us out there. We’re all going to make plays."
[Keyon] Dilosa opened the day with a leaping catch on the perimeter. His size is an asset outside. [Nate] Brown, moved outside to his natural position after a year in the slot, played a lot but was rarely targeted. [Justni] Smith, the 6-7 specimen, dropped a deep ball from Lowary but made a leaping 19-yard touchdown catch in traffic. He could emerge as a lethal red-zone threat.
Scout.com: Missouri Kicker Tucker McCann Adjusting To College Football
So how did McCann think he kicked this spring?
"I feel I did alright," he said. "There’s still a lot of work to do. I think I could have done better, but I’m happy with the hard work I’ve put in and just have a lot more to put in."
McCann’s transition to the college level has been made easier by his new teammate, Fatony, who hasn’t been on campus much longer than he has.
"He’s a great help," McCann said. "Him going through it last year as a starter has really helped me kind of get down the mental side of it. He’s really helped me a lot with that."
Officially adding a former Jayhawk
MUtigers.com: @MizzouWBB Inks Kansas Transfer Guard Aldridge
Mizzou officially adds KU transfer Lauren Aldridge | The Kansas City Star
Weekend preview
Softball
MUtigers.com: #19 @MizzouSoftball Hosts #16 Texas A&M for Weekend Series
Baseball
MUtigers.com: Mizzou Opens Second Half of SEC Play at No. 12 South Carolina
Track & Field
MUtigers.com: @MIZ_TrackField Set for John McDonnell Invitational
NERRRRRRRDS
MUtigers.com: Johnson, Sublett Nominees for McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Award
MUtigers.com: @MizzouAthletics Completes Over 500 Hours During Community Service Week