The Tigers could be without their star transfer for the Braggin' Rights matchup against No. 20 Illinois. Jayden Stone, who transferred to Missouri from Detroit this year, could potentially miss his seventh-straight game on Monday head coach Dennis Gates announced.
"Jayden asked me, 'Can I play tomorrow [Monday]?'," said Gates. "So thats his mindset. I got to get with the trainers and talk and see what we can or cannot do. He's done a great job keeping up with his conditioning. He's done a tremendous job making sure he's watching film, leading, things like that. He can take the cast off, so he takes it off and shoots, but now it's about the contact. Jayden is a veteran and a player who impacts our team, and we're excited about what he brings."
Stone has now missed over a month due to a hand injury, and while he hasn't seen the court much for the Tigers this year, he's been very good when he has.
Tigers still without star transfer as injury lingers
Stone is averaging 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game this year on 63% shooting. While their schedule has been notably more difficult, the Tigers are just 4-2 since Stone's injury. Many had hoped that he would be fit enough to play by now, but Mizzou may have to go without for their crucial matchup with Illinois.
The Tigers haven't found a great replacement for Stone during his absence. His 35% shooting from three has been greatly missed, and despite their 10-2 record, Mizzou is currently projected to miss the NCAA Tournament
If Stone can't go against Illinois, the pressure ramps up even more for a Tigers team already facing must-win situations. Hopefully, Stone would then at least be ready for No. 22 Florida on Jan. 3.