Show-Me Standouts in the NCAA Tournament
The Show-Me State will be well represented with former standouts who will be playing the NCAA Tournament, which begins today in Dayton, OH. Here is a look at the former Missouri prep standouts who are participating in the Big Dance.
Jayson Tatum 6’9″ Duke (Chaminade): The former McDonald’s All-American cemented his status as one of the top freshmen in the nation by averaging 22 points in four games in leading the Blue Devils to the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title and a No. 2 seed. For the season, Tatum averaged 16.9 points and 7.3 rebounds a game. He is a projected Top 5 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
D.J. Johnson 6’9″ Kansas State (Parkway North): The senior power forward overcame a number of injuries to enjoy a big senior season for the Wildcats. Johnson averaged 11.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and shot 61 percent from the field.
Landry Shamet 6’4″ Wichita State (Park Hill): The redshirt freshman guard was one of the top sharpshooters in the Missouri Valley Conference. Shamet averaged 11.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 45 percent from 3-point range in helping the Shockers to 30 wins and the Valley championship.
Erik Durham 6’5″ Jacksonville State (Springfield Parkview): The senior wing player helped lead Jacksonville State to the Ohio Valley Conference tournament title and the school’s first ever NCAA bid. Durham averaged 11.1 points and five rebounds while shooting 51 percent from the field and 48 percent from 3-point range.
Greg Tucker 6’2″ Jacksonville State (Charleston): The senior guard was also big in leading Jacksonville State to its historic first NCAA bid. He averaged 11.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists a game while shooting 81 percent from the free throw line.
Ishmail Wainright 6’5″ Baylor (Raytown South/Montrose Christian): The 6’5″ senior forward has been a solid contributor for the Bears, who were ranked No. 1 in the nation at one time this season. Wainright is averaging 5.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists a game.
Arlando Cook 6’8″ Arkansas (Madison Prep): The junior power forward has been a valuable reserve for the Razorbacks, who advanced to the finals of the Southeastern Conference Tournament. Cook averaged 3.0 points and 2.4 rebounds in 11 minutes of action per game.
Xavier Sneed 6’5″ Kansas State (Hazelwood Central): The freshman forward was a productive reserve for the Wildcats this season. Sneed averaged 7.4 points and 2.6 rebounds in 18 minutes of action while providing 3-point shooting and athleticism.
Kevin Baker 6’2″ Troy (Madison Prep): The junior guard was a productive performer for the Sun Belt Conference Tournament champions. Baker averaged 8.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists as a starter.
Will Gladson 6’11” Princeton (Chaminade): The freshman center earned valuable reserve minutes for a team that won the Ivy League regular season and tournament championships. Big Will averaged 2.3 points and 1.5 rebounds in 10 minutes of action per game.
Andre Statum 6’6″ Jacksonville State (Cape Girardeau Central): The third member of Jacksonville State’s team from Missouri, the sophomore power forward averaged two points and two rebounds in ten minutes a game.
Trey Pettus 6’4″ Butler (MICDS): Pettus started his career at Butler playing in the intramural leagues, but he earned a spot on the team as a walk-on and has been a part of three consecutive NCAA Tournament teams at Butler.