Grading Mizzou hoops by position as the Tigers embark on SEC play at Kentucky
The Missouri Tigers are heating up at the right time.
After a three-game losing streak — including an embarrassing home loss to Charleston Southern — Mizzou is on a four-game winning streak, including a road win over Temple and a Braggin’ Rights victory against Illinois.
The Tigers have one nonconference game remaining: at West Virginia on Jan. 25 as part of the Big 12/SEC challenge.
But Mizzou’s immediate concern is conference play. The Tigers open SEC action at 1 p.m. Saturday at No. 17 Kentucky. It’s a tough test early in the season, but provides a chance for Mizzou to capitalize on recent momentum.
Mizzou coach Cuonzo Martin’s Tigers salvaged what could’ve been a disastrous nonconference season when they started 4-4. They still have work to do to make it to the NCAA Tournament, but they gave themselves a chance with the recent spark.
“If healthy, we’re as good as any team,” Martin said after the Chicago State win Monday. “Of course, league play, everything is good. It doesn’t matter who you play or where you play. You want to avoid injuries with key guys. I like our chances with anybody.”
Grades
Point Guards: B+. The pair of Dru Smith and Xavier Pinson have been exactly what Tigers fans hoped for.
Dru Smith averages 11.8 points per game, tied for the team lead, as well as adding 4.4 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game. After sitting last season because of NCAA transfer rules, the do-everything guard been a constant for Mizzou, starting all 12 games and initiating the offense.
Ever the playmaker, Pinson has been an important bench piece for Martin. He’s displayed his marquee no-look passes, including some high-flying dunks. When the Tigers need a basket late and the matchups allow, they also rely on Pinson to create off the dribble.
Their styles differ but also complement each other. Their teammates have said they enjoy playing at the varying paces as well. When both are on the floor, they can exploit mismatches.
There are parts to nitpick. Smith is sneakily foul prone, averaging nearly three personal fouls per game. Some of Mizzou’s offensive struggles can be attributed to the point guards, though that’s also a knock on a team level. But otherwise, the duo has been a rock for Mizzou, giving Martin consistent minutes and solid defense.
While fans hope for more of freshman guard Mario McKinney Jr., he has yet to crack the rotation. He has impressed in limited minutes with his athleticism, but consistency remains key for McKinney.
Wings: B. Mizzou’s deepest position started slow, but much like the team, the wings are starting to smooth out the kinks.
Javon Pickett, after starting the first seven games, has shined in a bench role, including a three-game stretch where he scored in double figures. Torrence Watson is coming off a Mizzou Arena-record eight three-pointers made vs. Chicago State. It was a breakout weeks in the making for the sophomore, but if he fully turns the corner it’ll add a valuable element to the Mizzou offense.
Mizzou’s best long-range weapon has been Mark Smith. After a slow start to the season, he’s up to 40.5% on three-pointers, and averages 11.8 points per game. He’s been a tad streaky on threes, but when he’s on, he can change a game. Even when he’s off, the junior brings different skills to the game from defense to some playmaking ability.
While fans hoped Tray Jackson would play a bigger role, it’s been fellow newcomer Kobe Brown who’s played and started every game. Brown’s unafraid to shoot, though he’s struggled from three at 18.2% (6 for 33). Jackson’s playing time has been inconsistent as he transitions to the college game.
Forwards: B-. It’s been an up-and-down season for forward Jeremiah Tilmon. When he’s dominant, he plays at the all-SEC level Martin expected. But foul trouble and injuries have slowed Tilmon down. To Tilmon’s credit, he’s only fouled out once this year, the Illinois win, though he was also dealing with a foot injury.
Mizzou’s offense runs through Tilmon with varying results. Part of that is because of the near-constant double teams the 6-foot-10 forward draws. He looks to pass out often, but can be turnover-prone when trapped. There’s been some inconsistency from Tilmon — not all his fault — but if he takes it to another level in SEC play, it’ll be all the difference for Mizzou. He sat out the Chicago State win Monday, but is expected to be ready for Kentucky.
Alongside Tilmon in the starting lineup recently has been forward Mitchell Smith. He sat out the Wofford game, but has since earned more playing time. After Martin slid Mitchell Smith into the starting lineup, he has been a pleasant surprise. His ability to his threes spaces the floor, and Martin has praised his instincts on-court, including when and where to be to allow Tilmon more space in the post.
The backup forward spot has belonged to redshirt senior Reed Nikko, though Parker Braun has earned looks. Both have spelled Tilmon in the post and provided solid bench minutes.
Numbers to know
55.7: Points per game allowed by Mizzou, which ranks sixth nationally. The Tigers defense has stymied opponents all year, which should give them a chance against any SEC opponent.
23.3%: Mizzou’s three-point field goal percentage in losses. That number is nearly 10% better in wins, though at 32.8% it’s nothing to brag about. Mizzou’s overall 29.9% three-point percentage is 303rd in the nation. The rate’s been trending upwards — 42.6% in the last three games — which could be a huge for the Tigers if they can knock down a few more threes per game.
Two: Only two SEC teams cracked the AP Top 25 poll this week, No. 8 Auburn and No. 17 Kentucky. Arkansas and Florida were the only other SEC teams to receive votes. It’s been a down year for the SEC, which puts even more pressure on Mizzou to perform in conference play. A subpar SEC record might bury them compared to years past.
This story was originally published January 1, 2020 at 5:00 AM.