Missouri Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Tigers

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 08: Jontay Porter #11 of the Missouri Tigers dribbles the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second round of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 8, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 08: Jontay Porter /

Key Reserves

PF – SO Jontay Porter

The younger brother to Michael Porter Jr., Jontay had a great end to his freshman campaign. Per 40 minutes, the 6’11 forward averaged 16.1 ppg and 11.1 rpg while blocking nearly three shots a game. He has first-round NBA talent and already has shown that he can spread the floor with his jumper.

One problem that Missouri has is that the three best players on the team play two positions (power forward and center) on the court. From a talent perspective, Porter is better than Puryear but his versatility may make him a better sixth-man option, as he can play both the power forward and center spot. If he shows that capability to do so without giving up defensive space, Porter may play the three-spot in a huge lineup on the court.

C – JR Reed Nikko

Although the 6’10 big man played just under 10 mpg last season, Nikko was still productive when he was on the court, averaging 11.5 ppg, 10.0 rpg and 3.3 blocks per game per 40 minutes. With Tilmon not physically able to play all game, the junior will still play a pivotal role off the bench for the Tigers.

F – JR Mitchell Smith

The forward has a shot to get minutes off the bench this season but an untimely DWI arrest this off-season puts him behind the eight ball. Smith averaged a couple of points a game in 11 games a couple of years ago before injuries started to keep him out.

PG – FR Xavier Pinson

A three-star recruit, Pinson will serve as the primary backup to Geist at the point guard position. He may be the best pure ball handler on the roster and will have an opportunity to claim his role in Missouri’s rotation for the future seasons. With transfers coming in for the 2019-20 season, Pinson’s freshman year will be crucial to impress the coaching staff.

SG – FR Javon Pickett

After missing most of last year with a torn labrum, Pickett will be flying under the radar as a freshman. The former Illinois commit is a good shooter and has solid size at 6’4 and nearly 200 pounds. With so much uncertainty concerning Missouri’s perimeter this season, Pickett should find some minutes out the gate as the staff plays with the rotations early on.

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