The Missouri Tigers basketball team received some much-needed help over the weekend adding two recruits for next year’s class. Martavian Payne and Russell Woods, who are both junior college transfers out of John A Logan College, committed on their official visit to Missouri over the weekend.
Payne, a 6’2” shooting guard out of St. Louis should add some depth and help in the Tigers back court. After the departure of Keith Shamburger, Wes Clark and incoming freshman Terrence Phillips were the only two ball handlers, but Payne a combo guard similar to Namon Wright gives head coach Kim Anderson options.
Payne averaged 15.7 points per game and shot 43.2 percent from the field in 34 appearances at Logan College. He also adds the ability to shoot from the arc at 36.9 percent, which is likely to be a major factor in how the Tiger offense operates heading into next season.
If it’s any added bonus Payne played along side current Tiger and likely next years starting center, Ryan Rosburg in their time at Marquette high school.
(Credit: Magicextremehoops)
Not to discount Payne’s importance heading into next season, but Woods was probably the more important of the two signings. What the Tigers lacked inside with the departure of Johnathan Williams III, Woods can help minimize the damage.
Standing at 6’8” Woods has the chance to make an immediate impact in a starting role for Missouri heading into the 2015-16 campaign. He average over 14 points per game and contributed defensively with over seven rebounds per game as well. Having his size in the post defensively and having him as a strong threat offensively should make it easier for the Tigers to spread the floor.
(Credit: Illinois HS Hoop Stars)
Following the pair of commitments Missouri now has one scholarship left available for the 2015 season, with the top target being Kobe Eubanks.
It’s also worth mentioning that the Missouri Tigers football team received its first commitment of the 2016 class over the weekend as well. Trystan Castillo made a verbal commitment Saturday as he was in town for the Tiger spring game. Castillo is a 6’4” 280 pound offensive lineman out of Webb City, Mo.
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