Truman's Tales
Fansided

Timing is Everything for Missouri Basketball

By Eric Quackenbush

March 11, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; California Golden Bears head coach Cuonzo Martin (left) talks with guard Tyrone Wallace (3) against the Utah Utes during the first half in the semifinals of the Pac-12 Conference tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Utes defeated the Golden Bears 82-78. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 11, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; California Golden Bears head coach Cuonzo Martin (left) talks with guard Tyrone Wallace (3) against the Utah Utes during the first half in the semifinals of the Pac-12 Conference tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Utes defeated the Golden Bears 82-78. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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For Missouri, the 2016 basketball season was a wash. Fans who were seeking a little comfort following a miserable football season, found no solace in the basketball program.

As a basketball fan who grew up in ACC country, I know that winning is a huge deal. And while every major college program dreams of being at the level and prestige of the “Carolinas” and “Dukes” of the world, such aspirations usually remain just that, a dream.

Every loss in 2016 convinced most fans that former head coach Kim Anderson’s days were numbered, while others still believed he should be allowed one more season. A fourth season would have likely delayed the inevitable for Anderson, and that isn’t fair to him or the Missouri basketball program and its fans.

Missouri Tigers Basketball
Missouri Tigers Basketball /

Missouri Tigers Basketball

Had the Tigers retained Anderson, at least half of the fanbase would have been left wondering, “what if?” Right now, there’s probably a fraction of the fanbase wondering the same, but I digress. Sometimes change is good. Sometimes, a change made at the right moment is key.

Many prognosticators wanted Missouri to go after a big-name coach. While Cuonzo Martin is talented, he also isn’t a Dean Smith, Mike Krzyzewski or Roy Williams of college basketball.

Missouri’s timing has been perfect in its own way, even if by chance. As noted by Rock M Nation, “while the Tigers were offering Martin the head coaching vacancy, Lorenzo Lamar was about to be fired from Washington.”

Less than two weeks later, Martin offered an assistant’s job to Michael Porter, Sr. The next day, after being relieved of his commitment to Washington, Michael Porter, Jr. committed to play basketball at Mizzou.

Some may argue that had the elder Martin been offered the head coaching vacancy or knew he would be retained on Mike Hopkins’ staff, then his son would likely have remained committed to Washington. They’re probably correct, but how can anyone be less than excited for what the future may hold for the Tigers?

Porter is considered by some to possess the same level of talent as basketball legend Michael Jordan. Now I’m not saying that he is on the level of Jordan, but the qualifiers of his talent exist. He may not be in the same mold as Jordan, but his style is very similar, and his athletic abilities are quite impressive.

As a basketball fan now following Missouri ever more closely, I am as excited to see what 2017 holds for the Tigers as everyone else!

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