Missouri Basketball: Jeremiah Tilmon signs with Mizzou

Feb 18, 2017; Knoxville, TN, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Jordan Barnett (21) goes to the basket against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Tennessee won 90 to 70. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2017; Knoxville, TN, USA; Missouri Tigers forward Jordan Barnett (21) goes to the basket against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. Tennessee won 90 to 70. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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The long-awaited time has come: Jeremiah Tilmon signed his fianancial aid agreement, and will play basketball for the Missouri Tigers.

It’s been a long-awaited process for Missouri fans. Since early April, when Tilmon requested a release from his letter of intent with Illinois, we have waited in earnest for news of Tilmon’s next move.

Tilmon’s request to leave Illinois came shortly after Missouri landed the No. 1 overall recruit in Michael Porter, Jr. Since that time, the face of the basketball program has improved significantly.

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While fans relish the excitement of the Tigers landing the recruit from East St. Louis (Mo.), the basketball program has turned a little uglier to any team opposing Missouri in 2017.

A four-star center, Tilmon was also heavily recruited by Kansas, Illinois, and recently DePaul. His addition to Missouri’s roster gives the Tigers an even bigger boost in recruiting class ratings, as well as better odds of contending for a national championship next year.

While fans will now wonder whether Jontay Porter will reclassify and take what could be a made-up scholarship place, I think the next 24 hours is a good time for a breather and take in the fact that already, Missouri is a vastly improved basketball program.

Certainly, with Tilmon joining the Tigers’ roster, it could make the possibility of Jontay Porter joining the team all-the-more intriguing, both for him and for fans.

With Tilmon officially in the fold, the question becomes, who is the odd man out, should Jontay Porter decide to reclassify for 2017?

Next: Missouri basketball has a championship look