Sometimes a transfer really catches you off guard.
Marcus Allen leaving caught me off guard.
From everything I had heard, he was happy with the Tigers and had a great connection with the coaching staff and his teammates.
He was the most productive and consistently involved among the freshman and seemed primed to have a good-sized role next year.
The only thing I can think of that might have changed any of that is if Missouri coach Dennis Gates has bigger intentions for Jevon Porter than I expected and discussed that with the team. I want to make clear that is 100 percent my speculation, not from any conversations since the announcement.
But the transfer portal is a fickle mistress and we move on to what’s next.
So, what does Allen transferring mean for the Tigers?
Firstly, it means next year’s roster is down to 11, so there are now four spots that need to be filled through the portal.
It also means there are now four forwards on roster.
Here’s a roster breakdown:
| Player | Position | Year of eligibility remaining |
|---|---|---|
Anthony Robinson | Guard | 2 |
T.O. Barrett | Guard | 3 |
Annor Boateng | Guard | 3 |
Aaron Rowe | Guard | incoming freshman |
Mark Mitchell | Forward | 1 |
Jacob Crews | Forward | 1 |
Jevon Porter | Forward | 1 |
Trent Pierce | Forward | 2 |
Nicholas Randall | Forward | incoming freshman |
Peyton Marshall | Center | 3 |
Trent Burns | Center | 4 |
With Allen out the door, that guard group is looking very young and the forward group is looking pretty old.
I wouldn’t be shocked if the Tigers really try to get a sophomore forward mixed in there just to try to have a little more continuity after next season.
I’ve been talking a lot about what I think the Tigers need and it’s mostly been deep shooting, a three-level scoring guard and a center.
Well, now a forward has to be in the mix as well.
We know what the Tigers are going to get from Mitchell and can hope for some steps up from Crews and Pierce. What they will get from Porter as he takes a big step up in competition is in question and whether Randall can be ...
