One last ride for Big ‘Sota
The Missouri Tigers have never been a school with a roster full of one-and-done talent. Four year players are more common for the Tigers; And this year, Mizzou gets to celebrate a special senior
Reed Nikko was never a star at Missouri. He never put up big numbers, he was never an All-SEC talent. But if you come to Columbia, you should know everyone here can’t get enough of Big ‘Sota.
When Nikko took his first official visit to Mizzou in 2015, he knew it was where he wanted to be. His freshman year he appeared in 28 games and averaged 2.5 points and 2.3 rebounds. His 19 blocked shots were sixth all-time for a freshman at Mizzou.
His sophomore year he played in all 33 games with similar production and his junior year he stretched his consecutive appearance streak to 86.
But it was his senior year where he made his biggest impact.
Coming into this season, head coach Cuonzo Martin had talked about the large role Jeremiah Tilmon would play on offense. Those plans were derailed when Tilmon was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot and was set to miss time.
It took the team time to learn how to play without Tilmon, but Nikko made a name for himself when the Tigers made a 20-point comeback against the Georgia Bulldogs.
Nikko scored 13 points and grabbed five rebounds, but his game-saving block on projected top-3 pick Anthony Edwards. Just a few games later, he totaled 11 points and 11 rebounds in an overtime win against Arkansas.
He has played well and made his name known throughout the end of this season, and Mizzou has been very thankful.
Nikko exemplified everything a student athlete should be. He was an honor roll student and a great teammate, and he has helped this young Tiger team learn so much as they move forward.
So as senior night approaches, Reed Nikko deserves to be celebrated as he plays his final game in Mizzou Arena. The Tigers are 14-16 but are playing for seeding in the conference tournament. Hopefully Nikko can put on a show one last time for the home crowd.