Missouri basketball received another commit on Saturday, as Belleville East SF Javon Pickett re-classified to 2018 and will sign with Mizzou.
The salty tears from Illinois fans continued to flow on Saturday, as the Illini lost a second commitment to Missouri in two months.
As most will recall, Illinois lost one of its big recruits in Jeremiah Tilmon, who recently signed his financial aid agreement with Missouri in May.
The hits keep coming for the Illini, as Pickett decided to flip his commit. As surprising as the decision to leave may seem, it’s more coincidental than random.
More from Truman's Tales
- Believe it or not, Missouri football has never played these FBS teams
- Missouri Tigers all-time round-by-round NCAA tournament record
- March Madness schedule: When do the Missouri Tigers play next? (Updated Round of 64)
- The Missouri Tigers Kansas Jayhawks Border War Renews
- Marching Mizzou Marches into the Big Apple
Pickett was committed to Illinois back in 2016, but when the Illini parted ways with head coach John Groce in March, it cause a ripple in Illinois’ recruiting class.
Pickett became another athlete who decided he might be a better fit elsewhere.
In an interview with Daniel Jones of the Columbia Daily Tribune, Picket stated that the proximity to his home and the course that Missouri has taken since Cuonzo Martin took over the program, added a lot into his decision to change his commit and re-classify.
"I believe in what they’re going to do. It’s close to home. I just really like what they’re going to do with the program."
After receiving his release from Illinois, Pickett was recruited by many programs, including Western Kentucky, Saint Louis, and Indiana State. Before he accepted any offers, he talked to Cuonzo Martin.
Next: Jontay Porter clarifies classification
In 2018, Missouri might need depth at the wing position, where Pickett will fit in nicely. In the meantime, he will have a final season to develop his skills further as he prepares for life at the Zou.