#InsideTheZOU: Puryear Producing Strong Freshman Season
2/26/2016 3:09:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Tigers' Puryear just the eighth freshman in program history with 300+ points
By Andrew Melroe, Mizzou Strategic Communications
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Mizzou Men's Basketball legend Steve Stipanovich helped the Tigers win four straight Big Eight Conference championships from 1980-83. Derrick Chievous is the all-time scoring leader in program history. Anthony Peeler and Doug Smith were a part of the last Mizzou team to be ranked No. 1 in the nation (1989-90). Kareem Rush was named 2000 Big 12 Freshman of the Year. What do these Mizzou greats and current Tiger freshman, Kevin Puryear (Blue Springs, Mo.) have in common? All scored 300 or more points in their freshman year as a Tiger.
Puryear currently ranks seventh on the list of freshman all-time scoring leaders with 324 points, one of eight Tigers in program history to score 300 or more points as a freshman.
"It's really a blessing, honestly," Puryear said. "I have definitely exceeded all my freshman expectations. I just wanted to come here and help this team. I wanted to produce and do everything Coach Anderson asked of me."
Puryear has done more than produce for Mizzou this season, he has led by example. The Blue Springs South product leads the Tigers in scoring, averaging 11.6 points per game and is second in rebounding with 4.7 boards per game.
"To be one of eight freshman in school history to score more than 300 points in a season, it shows people that I am going to bring it every night, regardless of who we play," said Puryear.
The Tiger freshman is not content with just being a freshman standout. He has his aim on the accomplishments Stipanovich, Chievous and Rush found in their Tiger careers. He knows the only way to do so is to continue working hard in the offseason.
"Over the summer, I'll work on being as dominant as I can possibly be," Puryear said. "I'll be working on my shooting. I'll try to get my weight down and work on my ball handling. Just get stronger, faster, so I can come back as an even better teammate next season."
Growing up a fan of the Tigers, Puryear has his sights set on a recent former Tiger when pondering his potential and his game.
"Ricardo Ratliffe, I really liked his game," Puryear said. "Seeing him lead the country in field goal percentage. He was a big presence down low."
Puryear has three more seasons to grow as a student and athlete. For now, he looks to continue his climb up the ladder of all-time freshman scoring leaders. With three games remaining, Puryear needs 15 points to pass Smith and 39 points to pass Peeler for fifth place. He'll continue the journey against Texas A&M at 3 p.m., Saturday at Mizzou Arena.
