Missouri Basketball 2010-11 Predictions
November 22, 2010
Missouri head coach Mike Anderson reportedly turned down a deal that would have given him close to $2 million per season to coach at Oregon. Missouri would have been in no shape to equal that offer, a season after they gave Anderson a new seven-year contract valued $1.55 million per year. The decision by Anderson to stay points quite a bit about his character. This will be his fifth season in Columbia, and he wants to complete what he began. A veteran roster along with a Top 10 recruiting class give the Tigers a chance to do some serious work not only in the Big 12, but in the NCAA Tournament. After making it to the Elite Eight in 2009, Missouri went 23-11 overall and 10-6 in conference games last year while making it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
BetUS has offered Missouri at +600 to win the conference this year. I think this is the best value bet among NCAA basketball lines in terms of futures betting for the Big 12. The Tigers are certainly a sleeper, and will be a force this season just two years removed from reaching the Elite Eight. This sportsbook will give you $500 free cash by signing up for a new account and depositing $500 or more.
Jack Jones offers college basketball picks at low-cost prices. Sign up for a premium package with him as he continues his 37-23 (62%) CBB run after finishing last year very strong.
Frontcourt:
Justin Safford returns from a torn anterior cruciate ligament for his senior season, making him the only senior on Missouri’s roster. Junior Laurence Bowers has recovered from offseason wrist surgery, and promises to keep up his stellar play within the league where he led the Tigers in rebounds and blocked shots last year. Bringing in both Ricardo Ratliffe and Tony Mitchell has Mizzou fans buzzing. Ratliffe was the nation’s top juco players last season, averaging 27.4 points and 11.3 rebounds for Central Florida Community College. As good as Ratliffe will likely be, Mitchell has the upside to be even better. He was a top-15 recruit with NBA talent who, if he can keep his grades up, will likely be a huge addition for the Tigers. Providing depth in the paint is junior Steve Moore along with sophomore John Underwood.
Backcourt:
No doubt the Tigers will miss the skills of J.T. Tilller and Zaire Taylor, two team leaders who were able to lock down opponents on defense. But there is plenty of talent left in the cupboard here, as junior Kim English is the school’s leading returning point producer at 14.0 PPG. Junior Marcus Denmon put up 10.4 PPG and hit 40.7% from behind the line a year ago. English must improve his shooting after hitting just 34.6 percent of his attempts, and he also needs to protect the basketball after turning the ball over a team high 71 times. Sophomore Michael Dixon will probably get the first crack to run the point, especially with his speed and ball-handling skills. If he can make more of his jump shots, the sky is the limit for Dixon. Phil and Matt Pressey are two brothers and two new faces Missouri is depending on right away. Both are sons of former NBA player Paul Pressley, who was Anderson’s college roommate. Phil is a freshman who is one of the top recruits at point guard, while Matt is a junior college All-American. Look for freshman Ricky Kreklow to work his way into some playing time as well due to his excellent shot.
Jack’s Prediction: 4th Place in the Big 12 – Anderson coaches a frenetic brand of basketball, and he has the players this year to run his scheme to perfection. Kansas, Kansas State and Baylor are the preseason favorites to contend for the league championship, but if Anderson can get his new players to buy into his defensive doctrine, then Missouri will be competing for that title themselves. The Tigers have never reached the Final Four, and they don’t just want to make it to the NCAA Tournament for a third straight season. Anderson stuck around because he knows the talent this team has and their potential, which makes the Tigers a clear sleeper in both the conference and on a national level.
