Ricky Kreklow is Transferring

I’m still trying to figure out which is more surprising, Ricky Kreklow reportedly transferring from the University of Missouri, or me finding out that the thing that was screwing up my car’s air conditioner was a mouse nest. We may never know the answer.

Anyways, word got out from head coach Frank Haith that Kreklow, a sophomore guard from Columbia, told his coach that he planned to leave to “spread his wings.” Although Haith said during a Big 12 teleconference that he plans to talk to Kreklow, it would appear that the guy who won many hearts with his scrappy play (leading to the Rock M Nation nickname, “Nook”) and lost just as many with his streaky shooting is done playing in a Tiger uniform.

Kreklow’s decision, to me at least, is both parts baffling and understandable. Baffling because, out of all of the players that might have not been Tigers next season, the one I least expected to leave was Kreklow. That said, I can get where he’s coming from with the need for a change of scenery. The guy has lived in Columbia pretty much since birth, which means he’s very close to his parents while at college (Wayne and Susan Kreklow coach the Mizzou volleyball team). If I was in his situation, I probably would have not even considered going to a university so ridiculously close to my family, especially my parents.

Although he looked very over-matched and overwhelmed when playing against the Big 12-caliber competition in the latter half of the season, there is no reason to say he couldn’t improve with enough hard work and can-do attitude (and there is no reason to doubt that he has those qualities). Matt Lawrence did next to nothing in his freshman year at Mizzou, and he ended up being a vital piece (and great long-range weapon) for the Tigers in their Elite Eight run in 2009, and one could argue that Kreklow has more potential than Lawrence, who for the most part was a spot-up shooter. That said, it looks like playing time and expected production had little to do with Kreklow’s decision. Again, you can’t expect a kid to want to go to a college where he could see his parents every single day.

While it’s not a monumental loss for the Tigers, it’s still one that upsets me. I believe that Kreklow has good potential as a basketball player, and I will miss his energy off the bench next season. I wish Ricky Kreklow the best of luck in the future, wherever that future may take him.

[Via Vahe Gregorian on Twitter]