Revised 2017-18 Roster

Posted on: March 16, 2017 at 10:52:41 CT

Presenting Mizzou's first Final Four team:

Phillips, Geist, Roberts, VanLeer, Hughes

MPJ, Puryear, Barnett

Jontay, Smith

Tilmon, Nikko

This team would not be without its weaknesses. While big enough, it won't be the biggest lineup in nation. Sorting out the most efficient use of the guards is also a question. Geist was the better distributor by season's end, and Phillips has more weapons as shooting guard than VanLeer or Hughes. Roberts will need to play, but is unlikely to be a factor next year. But Phillips' athleticism at PG may be a better match for this upgraded roster. In that case, Hughes, VanLeer and Geist would split time at shooting guard. Hughes is the only one of the three that can create his own shot, but the time will have to go to the SG who can knock down the shot. I think whoever is playing SG will get a lot of open looks from 3.

I anticipate most teams will try to beat us with a zone defense, which makes it imperative that we have a 40% threat from 3. That may seem daunting based on the previous two seasons, but Phillips, VanLeer and Hughes had to throw up a lot of off-balanced and challenged 3 point shots. Could be a different story if the shooter is set and unchallenged.