The Missouri Tigers have added guard Xavier Pinson to its recruiting Class of 2018, as Coach Cuonzo Martin puts an emphasis on building up MU’s talent level and depth at the guard position heading into the 2018-2019 season. Pinson, the nation’s #34 ranked guard (Rivals.com), was offered by Coach Martin in January, then attended, on an official visit, the Tigers home-court victory over the Kentucky Wildcats in early February. He would eventually choose Missouri over Georgetown and Wisconsin. In October 2017, Pinson had briefly given a verbal commitment to Kent State, but reneged quickly when interest level in high-majors began to increase.
Last season, despite an influx of talent that included Jontay Porter and Jeremiah Tilmon, Missouri became hampered by the SEC and NCAA Tournaments by a lack of back-court depth, with Jordan Geist getting the majority of starts at the point, while Kassius Robertson, a natural off-guard, had to play multiple minutes at the point when the opportunity called for it.
Missouri, heading into late April, is still very much in the mix for Webster Groves (St. Louis) senior guard Courtney Ramey, considered the top unsigned guard left in the country. Ramey had committed to Louisville last year, but changed his mind after the ongoing NCAA investigation cost Coach Rick Pitino his job.
Texas had an in-home visit with Ramey on Monday night, with multiple outlets reporting Missouri would visit on Tuesday, and Louisville, attempting to scramble back into the recruitment with new coach Chris Mack, headed for a visit on Wednesday. Ramey, earlier this month, announced a list of his top 10 schools : Mizzou, Illinois, Louisville, Minnesota, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Oregon, SMU, South Carolina, and Texas.
Illinois transfer Mark Smith, who averaged 6 points per game in his freshman season with the Illini, will be transferring to Missouri. MU officially announced that move on Monday morning. Smith, the 2017 Illinois Mr. Basketball, will have to sit out the 2018-2019 season due to NCAA transfer guidelines.
