@MizzouHoops’ Pro Day Brings Attention Along with Focus
10/15/2017 2:52:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Tigers work out in practice setting for more than 30 NBA scouts
by Michaela Bennett, Mizzou Strategic Communications
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Excitement around the Mizzou Men's Basketball program was heightened a step further with the addition of a 2017 Pro Day by head coach Cuonzo Martin. With 35 NBA personnel representing 24 different teams at Saturday's event (Oct. 14), Mizzou's student-athletes received the opportunity to show off their skills in a normal practice environment.
Senior forward Jordan Barnett (St. Louis, Mo.) saw the day as business-as-usual for the Tigers.
"It was just another day, in that we wanted to go out and get better," Barnett said. "Maybe some of the guys had nerves with all the extra people at practice, but no one really showed it. Scouts watching us actually helped us play more focused."
Mizzou worked through individual drills, as well as 5-on-5 scrimmages. Every aspect from free throws, shell defense, situational drills and half-court offense was put on display. Each of Martin's Tigers were measured two days prior for height, weight, wing span, vertical jump and ¾-court sprint, among many other agility metrics.
While the day inside Mizzou Arena was essentially a chance to give NBA scouts a season preview of the 2017-18 squad, the competitiveness on the court was noticeable. The upbeat energy radiated throughout the building, as the Tigers aimed to play pristine basketball in front of the professional evaluators.
Graduate transfer guard Kassius Robertson (Toronto, Ontario) described the Pro Day environment as an excellent opportunity for the entire squad.
"It was a fun, once-in-a-lifetime chance to play in front of some NBA scouts," Robertson said. "It was definitely a cool experience. We talked about making today just another day at practice."
During 5-on-5 scrimmages, senior guard Brett Rau (Burlington, Ill.) noticed the intensity with which he and his teammates were focusing on executing offensive and defensive position.
"We approached today like it is just another practice," Rau said. "But I think our guys were a little more focused today with people watching. That extra focus is only going to help us once the season gets here."
Barnett concurred that as each side got up and down the floor during scrimmages, a higher level of cohesion began to develop.
"It doesn't matter what lineup we throw out there, it all seems to work well together", Barnett said. "While I'm out there, I'm just trying to lead by example."
