Hoops transfer Mark Smith cleared to play for Missouri this season

Missouri basketball coach Cuonzo Martin received some much needed good news Friday: The program announced that Illinois transfer Mark Smith was granted immediate eligibility for the upcoming season.

Smith gives Missouri 11 scholarship players for the season after Jontay Porter tore his right ACL and MCL on Sunday. Smith, a 6-3 guard, should help with some of the scoring and passing needs in Porter’s absence. Missouri, however, still has depth issues in the frontcourt.

A team spokesman said there has been no ruling on Evansville transfer Dru Smith yet.

Martin recruited Smith, who at one time had been a Missouri baseball commit, shortly after being named the Tigers head coach in March 2017. Smith ended up signing with Illinois, his hometown school, and averaged 5.7 points and 1.4 assists per game in his freshman season with the Illini.

Missouri’s other two point guards are Xavier Pinson and Jordan Geist. Smith will likely rotate in with them.

Alex Schiffer

Alex Schiffer covers University of Missouri athletics for The Star.

This story was originally published October 26, 2018 at 7:45 PM.