Cuonzo Martin has options for the back court
In the past week and a half, Mizzou’s back court has taken a beating of attrition.
Not only did Xavier Pinson enter the transfer portal (as we’ve already documented), but Mark Smith joined him, while Dru Smith and Drew Buggs opted not to take their extra year of NCAA eligibility (allegedly). That’s Missouri’s entire guard depth zapped in the manner of 10 days.
Luckily, reinforcements are on the way. Amari Davis committed to transfer from Green Bay in the days after Pinson’s announcement, and the 2021 class includes Kickapoo star (and Missouri state champion) Anton Brookshire. However, the Tigers are still lacking in depth and quality, and the coaching staff hasn’t been shy about finding help on the market.
On Monday, Dave Matter wrote about perhaps the highest profile target, UMKC transfer Brandon McKissic, who is hearing from all manner of schools. McKissic speaks highly of Martin and has a natural relationship with assistant Chris Hollender, who recruited him to UMCK out of St. Louis University High School. Missouri could be in pretty good shape for the guard’s services, and they could know as early as next week who he’ll choose.
That being said, McKissic isn’t the only option the Tigers will likely look at. Monday brought some other options to the forefront, mainly one who could be a late addition to the 2021 freshman class.
After a lot of careful consideration and conversation with my family I have decided to request a release from my letter of intent with the University of Texas Men’s Basketball team.
— Tamar Bates (@tbates_11) March 29, 2021
Bates was arguably the top target on Mizzou’s board for much of the 2021 cycle, but high four-star combo guard ended up choosing Texas over the Tigers and some other school to the west. However, Bates is looking to get out of his LOI based on Shaka Smart’s recent decision to take the Marquette coaching position. Naturally, Missouri is in prime position to swoop in and land Bates’ services as the two sides had a good relationship before Bates’ initial commitment... and the fact that Missouri has an immediate need for his services.
Bates isn’t the only former Missouri target that was added to the board on Monday.
Michigan State G Rocket Watts (SO) has entered the transfer portal. https://t.co/Hgx1GMONZZ
— Verbal Commits (@VerbalCommits) March 29, 2021
Watts struggled in his sophomore year with the Spartans, posting an effective field goal percentage under 40 percent. His assist and turnover rates were pretty good, however, and he would help fill the need for a ball-handler. Whether or not Cuonzo wants to fill another spot with a player in the same class as Davis will be the question.
Finally, Missouri is looking to the Division II ranks for some help in the size department.
In addition, Fox has recently heard from Iowa, Virginia Tech, Mizzou, Arkansas, and BYU, in addition to the programs who have already reached out. https://t.co/HuS6J9cwdX
— Jake (@jakeweingarten) March 29, 2021
Fox is one of the most coveted players in the portal. As a sophomore the 6’8”, 210 pound combo forward was a Division II All-American for Northern State, and he’ll have his pick from most schools in America as to where he wants to go. No doubt Missouri will put its best foot forward, even if the chances are slim Fox will end up in black-and-gold.
Yesterday at Rock M
- Mizzou Hoops Player Review: Xavier Pinson
- Let’s Expand The Playoff! Part 1 - The Goals Have Changed
- Series Recap: Commodores sweeps Tigers
- NCAA Tournament Live Thread Sweet 16 & Elite 8
More Links:
- Mark Smith, who entered the transfer portal this past weekend, officially announced his departure from Missouri on Instagram.
Based on the comments, it certainly seems like there aren’t any hard feelings between Smith and his former teammates.
- The Border War is back on the baseball field, as Mizzou travels west to take on that one school in Lawrence today. The Tigers will look to improve their season record to 9-15.
- Speaking of baseball, Tanner Houck was pitching yesterday for the Red Sox as the spring season winds down and good lord, Tanner, THAT MAN HAS A FAMILY!
Tanner Houck, Disgusting 83mph Slider. pic.twitter.com/06gLzXUf7s
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) March 29, 2021
- Mizzou Soccer’s Madilyn Hamline earned SEC Freshman of the Week after scoring two against Kansas State last weekend.
- If you’re looking to sign up for ESPN+, Rock M Nation now has an affiliate link: click Here for ESPN+ Now!
- If you’re looking to sign up for a new streaming service, you can try FuboTV: click HERE for FuboTV access — FuboTV now has ESPN, CBS, FS1 and more sports channels.
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