SEC Basketball: In-depth conference preview

By Stuart Gill | Nov 3, 2016

Mar 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari shouts during the second half of the championship game against Texas A&M Aggies of the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky Wildcats won 82-77. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 1, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Kim Anderson in the first half against the LSU Tigers at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Missouri Tigers

2015-16 record: 10-21 overall, 3-15 in SEC

Head coach: Kim Anderson

Notable departures: Wes Clark, Namon Wright, Ryan Rosburg, Tramaine Isabell

Notable returnees: Kevin Puryear, Terrence Phillips, K.J. Walton, Cullen VanLeer

Notable newcomers: Three-star C Mitchell Smith, three-star C Reed Nikko, three-star SF Willie Jackson, three-star SG Frankie Hughes, freshman F Jakoby Kemp

The Tigers enter the 2016-17 campaign losing the bulk of their leadership from a year ago, however, head coach Kim Anderson’s tendency to spread the wealth as far as minutes per game bodes well for this squad.

Kevin Puryear will return after leading his team in scoring as a freshman. His leadership will prove valuable to newcomers Willie Jackson, Frankie Hughes, Jakoby Kemp, Reed Nikko and Mitchell Smith.

Jackson and Kemp will bolster the Tigers’ low-post offensive game, as both have proven to be capable scorers in settled offensive scenarios. Hughes brings much-needed size and athleticism to the Tigers’ backcourt.

Missouri’s lack of a dominant scoring guard and solid defensive big will leave the Tigers vulnerable in a conference filled with talented offensive players. At this point, it would be surprising to see the Tigers post a conference record any better than last year’s.

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