Missouri Basketball Preview 2021
Our Missouri basketball preview 2021 - 22 notes that at the start of last season the Tigers looked like a top-25 team, beating powerhouses Illinois, Alabama, and Tennessee. Then, the wheels came off the bus and the Missouri Tigers (16-10 Overall, 8-8 SEC) ended up even in the SEC, finishing seventh. Although they went to the Big Dance, they were one-and-done after one song. After the season ended, coach Cuonzo Martin (66-56 Missouri/4 years, 252-177 Overall/13 years) saw all but three players leave. This season is a major rebuilding effort, which includes transfers and five freshmen.
Tigers Frontcourt
Six-foot-seven forward Kobe Brown is the lone returning starter and the Tigers’ top returning scorer (8.0 PG) and rebounder (6.3 PG). He’s the team leader de facto. Brown needs to improve his scoring efficiency and develop a more accurate three-point shot. Sophomore center Jordan Wilmore, who played in only five games last season and averaged 4.1 MPG, also comes back. Our Missouri basketball preview 2021 - 22 sees Ronnie DeGray III (UMass) as being an important addition to the paint. Last season as a freshman, he averaged 8.7 PPG and 4.6 RPG. Freshman and 2020-21 redshirt Sean Durugordon, who was an impressive shooter in high school, will likely contribute. Highly recruited freshman Yaya Keita comes to the team after missing his senior year with a knee injury. The 6’8” forward can score and rebound.
Missouri Basketball Preview – Backcourt
The good news in the backcourt is that senior Javon Pickett is back. Although Pickett started 53 games in his first two years at Missouri, his minutes were reduced last year, as he worked through an ankle injury. The result, he became an invaluable sixth man averaging 6.2 PPG while shooting 50.4/36.0/84.6. Transfers Amari Davis (Green Bay), a premium scorer, and Jarron Coleman (Ball State), the MAC Rookie of the Year, will play immediately. Coleman is a dead-on three-point shooter. Kansas State transfer DuJuan Gordon brings fine shooting and rebounding chops.
Missouri Basketball Preview 2021 – Final Word
With so many new players and less than needed experience, Martin has an uphill battle on his hands. There’s talent and skill here and some of the transfers arrive with a load of experience. However, others have seen precious few game minutes, and when it comes to making meaningful contributions, the freshmen could go either way. Our Missouri basketball preview 2021 - 22 does not project this team to be NCAA bound. The NIT is a real possibility.
SEC - Missouri Rankings & Projections 2021
AP Top 25 Preseason Poll Ranking: None
NCAA Men's Basketball NET Ranking: 46
SEC Finish: 9
Postseason Tournament: NIT