With the regular season halfway over it’s time to take a look into the mid-season awards of the 15-5 number 17 ranked Missouri Tigers.
Key Offensive Player: Laurence Bowers
Bowers has been quite a surprise on the offensive side of the ball by averaging 16.1 points a game after missing last season with a torn ACL. Bowers has missed five of the last seven games with a right knee sprain, in which the Tigers went 4-3. It’s not only his scoring ability in the low post which makes Bowers stand out, but also his superb rebounding (6.6 rebounds per game) that allows him to help the Tigers get a second chance on plays that did not end with points.
Key Defensive Player: Alex Oriakhi
Since transferring from Connecticut, Oriakhi has proved that his that he is a legitimate defensive player. Oriakhi averages a team high of 8.2 rebounds a game and 1.4 blocks a game. His presence on the defensive side of the ball makes opponents think twice before going into the paint. Oriakhi’s rebounding and defensive abilities allow him to start transition plays. This lets the Tigers score quickly and efficiently in key moments. Don’t be surprised if Oriakhi’s rebounds per game reaches at least 10 before the end of the season.
MVP: Phil Pressey
There is no doubt that Pressey is the leader of this team. In clutch moments, the ball always goes into his hands. Although Pressey does not lead the team in points per game, his offensive presence and ability to pass the ball to open shooters makes him a threat on and off the ball. He uses his speed and great strength which allows him to strong to the basket on fast breaks or to make a great lead pass the results in a score. If I were an NBA scout, I would watch out for Pressey’s game to grow when the season closes onto the tournament.
