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Missouri Basketball: 3 key questions facing the Tigers in 2018-19

By TJ Miller

COLUMBIA, MO - DECEMBER 05: Head coach Cuonzo Martin of the Missouri Tigers coaches from the bench during the game against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at Mizzou Arena on December 5, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO - DECEMBER 05: Head coach Cuonzo Martin of the Missouri Tigers coaches from the bench during the game against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at Mizzou Arena on December 5, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Robertson
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Robertson /

2. How will the Tigers replace Kassius Robertson and Jordan Barnett?

Robertson (16.3 ppg) and Barnett (13.7 ppg) were huge to Mizzou’s success in 2017-18. Besides being the Tigers top leading scorers, the duo also were two of the top SEC sharpshooters as they combined to sink 187 triples at 42% on the year. The rest of the Missouri roster only connected on 33% while making 119.

Robertson came over from Canisius as a grad transfer without missing a beat. If the offense stalled or Mizzou needed a big shot, Robertson came through on multiple occasions. As good as Robertson was, you could argue Jordan Barnett was Mizzou’s most important player last season. The 6’7 former Texas Longhorn consistently shot over smaller defenders and sped around taller opposition. He had moments of seeming unguardable, fitting the narrative of a true matchup nightmare.

Unfortunately, the Tigers will face more challenges in the backcourt.

Blake Harris (a top-100 recruit from last year) left the team in the middle of the season and is now at NC State. Terrence Phillips, who played sporadic minutes at point guard, is no longer with the program. And while Cullen VanLeer had a nice season, an ACL tear at the end of the season makes his return unknown.

Senior Jordan Geist returns as a kind of sole survivor. Geist started several games at point guard last year averaging 7.3 ppg and shooting 37% from three. His ability to knock down shots while taking care of the basketball cannot be undermined. Geist will be counted on day one and likely receive a lot of minutes.

The Tigers will get to see what 6’5 freshman Torrence Watson can do. Watson is a highly ranked combo guard from St. Louis and could be asked to start right away. More help could be arriving in KJ Santos. He’ll arrive as a redshirt sophomore, bouncing around a couple of schools before arriving at Missouri. Santos is a 6’8 athletic wing who has the potential to be an x-factor.

It’s doubtful this team’s strength will be its backcourt. However, Coach Martin will be happy if his guards can defend well and take care of the basketball.

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