Cullen VanLeer fills pivotal roles as Mizzou opens exhibition slate

Missouri’s Cullen VanLeer probably isn’t destined for NBA riches or even college basketball stardom.

VanLeer, a 6-foot-4 sophomore guard from Pacific, Mo., is a role player and he understands that, but he’s also a critical piece in the Tigers’ hopes for a turnaround from back-to-back last place finishes in the Southeastern Conference.

That quest unofficially begins with an exhibition against third-year coach Kim Anderson’s former team, NCAA Division II Central Missouri, at 7 p.m. Friday at Mizzou Arena.

The game will be streamed on SEC Network+, which is available through ESPN’s streaming service.

To make a significant climb up the conference ladder, Mizzou needs VanLeer to emerge as a legitimate perimeter threat after an uneven freshman campaign that saw him connect on only 27.3 percent of his 3-pointers.

But his value goes much deeper than making it rain from the outside.

“Cullen’s IQ is wonderful for the game … ,” sophomore point guard Terrence Phillips said. “Because he’s so quiet, nobody really sees that side of Cullen, but he’s very vocal in practice all the time. If we’re having a bad start to practice or bad finish, he’s a very vocal person.”

Phillips and sophomore forward Kevin Puryear, a Blue Springs South graduate, were Mizzou’s top freshmen last season and, as such, were lauded for the leadership they brought to a program in desperate need of it.

VanLeer’s contributions went unseen, but he was the guy pulling teammates aside and helping teach them offensive sets or defensive principles in practice.

“Ever since I can remember, I’ve been the smartest guy on the floor since high school,” said VanLeer, whose father was his coach at Pacific High. “I always helped out. I knew what my dad (John) wanted and I know what Coach A wants, so I try to help out and be a positive influence for the team.”

Asked if he’s still the smartest guy on the floor, VanLeer shrugs.

“I know every play from every spot, so if anybody needs help I am there to help them ... ,” he said. “I definitely try to use my basketball IQ to help everybody else out on the team.”

That knowledge has made VanLeer a respected voice in the Tigers’ locker room and at practice.

“He’s become a guy who I think is a leader in his own way,” Anderson said. “He’s not a big talker ... but he says things. When he’s got something to say, he says it. I think he’s kind of evolved into being one of the guys that I think can help lead this team.”

VanLeer, who has packed on muscle under new strength and conditioning coach Nick Michael, won’t be a one-trick pony anymore either.

With sophomore point guard Jordan Geist — a transfer from Ranger College, a two-year school in Texas — sidelined with an injured pinky, VanLeer is working as Mizzou’s backup point guard.

It’s a role he’s familiar with having played primarily with the ball in his hands during high school.

“I’m going to step in and do whatever I can to help the team …,” said VanLeer, who led the Tigers in scoring at 13.8 points during August’s international tour in Italy. “I’m not going to make the flashy play necessarily or get in the lane and throw some crazy pass, but I’m going to make the right play and move the ball and get our team in the offense.”

During last week’s Black & Gold Scrimmage, VanLeer played for the veteran-heavy black team, which led 26-12 at halftime, then switched at halftime to the freshman-laden gold team, leading them to a slim 10-9 win in the second half.

“Last year, I think it was all mental for him,” Phillips said. “I think just having new guys and having a better vibe around here, he’s in a better mindset when it comes to shooting the basketball. Last year, he was more aiming his shot rather than just shooting it like he has all his life. That’s where he’s back to now — just shooting and having fun. That’s why it’s going in nonstop.”

This story was originally published November 3, 2016 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Cullen VanLeer fills pivotal roles as Mizzou opens exhibition slate."