Mizzou’s women’s and men’s basketball teams are ready to rock this year, with both teams full of straight ballers. The women are coming off a season that saw them take down the eventual national champion South Carolina Gamecocks, and we don’t need to be reminded about how the men were playing. But now Michael Porter, Jr. is home and Sophie Cunningham is about to do some damage. Both teams have preseason All-Americans on their rosters and were picked to finish in the top half of the SEC. With anticipation looming, we couldn’t be more excited to watch them get to work.
Here’s why you should be hyped too:
1. A Loud Mizzou Arena
Have you ever actually seen Mizzou Arena packed and heard each fan screaming out of their minds? Because it’s nothing short of actual magic. The arena is sure to return to its noisy state of being, with each fan on the edge of their seat.
2. Staying and Singing
What’s common after football games also transcends to basketball: the singing of our Alma Mater. As every Mizzou fan knows, it’s customary for Tigers to remain after games to sing the beautiful tune. This year, there may be a few more fans to stay and sing after a few more wins.
3. The women are a legitimate threat to anyone
The women’s team is coming off another NCAA tourney appearance and was picked to finish third in the SEC behind the defending national champs, South Carolina, and the team that lost to the defending champs, Mississippi State. They’re the preseason No. 16 team in the country. In other words, they’re going to be decent.
4. The men were picked to finish fifth in the SEC, which is a far cry from last year
With the homecoming of the Porter brothers, the men’s team will see a significant improvement. But they’re just two players. Blake Harris and C.J. Roberts arrived on campus looking to make an impact this year and the addition of Kassius Robertson won’t go unnoticed. Mizzou basketball is back, baby.
5. Michael Porter, Jr.
You’ve heard it all by now, but here it is again. He’s a preseason Co-SEC player of the year and a projected top draft pick. He’s quick and can get to the free throw line. His 6’10” frame combined with his jumping ability sets him apart from the pack. And that smile, y’all. That smile. We’ll be reading about him for a while.
6. Sophie Cunningham
The McDonald’s All-American is entering her junior season for the Tigers and will continue to build on the stellar career she’s already put together. At 6-foot-1, she averaged 17.5 points per game last season. She’s an unwavering leader for the Tigers, who are the preseason No. 16 team in the country.
7. Jordan Frericks is back
After a devastating ACL tear last season, the redshirt-senior returns to the hardwood for the women. Often the quiet confidence the Tigers need, Frericks is back at home and will look to retake her reign as the team’s leading rebounder.
8.That game against the school out West
Like it or not, Mr. Self puts a good basketball team on the court every year. And in an *exhibition* game, which felt more like a round of the NCAA tourney, the Tigers only fell by six points. The team that shall not be named is the preseason No. 2 team in the nation, unfortunately. And Mizzou hung with them and led at the half. That’s what progress looks like.
9. Back to the Porters
I think we all just need to take a minute each day and give thanks for the entire family. There are ten members, so ten minutes a day should be dedicated to them. It’s only right.
And, finally,
10. Coach Pingeton’s incredible outfits
Coach Robin Pingeton has been building a national competitor here and she has been better dressed than all of us while she’s done it. When someone says business professional black and gold, Google a picture of her for outfit inspiration.
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