Aug. 14, 2007

Columbia, Mo. - It's been a busy off-season for University of Missouri Basketball sophomore Keon Lawrence. After starting the summer in Columbia, working out with teammates and taking summer courses, the 6-foot-2 guard spent the final weeks of July and August at home in Newark, N.J., taking part in the nationally-renowned Verizon Fios Jersey Shore Basketball League.

Playing with Team Rod's Tavern, Lawrence ranked third in the League with 29.8 points per game and chipped in norms of 8.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per contest.

"It was a lot of fun to come back and play against these guys," Lawrence said. "They are all good players and it was just good to come back, see some old friends and work on my game."

Lawrence enjoyed a number of outstanding performances during the summer, including a 33-point, 10-board and six-assist night in a 119-104 defeat to Seaview Jeep. One of Lawrence's highlights this summer came on July 17 when he faced 10-year NBA veteran Brevin Knight. Although Knight and Team USA Financial earned a 126-103 win, Lawrence poured in an identical 33 points on the Charlotte Bobcat guard, while helping to hold him to just 12 tallies.

"It was a great summer and I feel like my game has improved, but I am ready to get back to campus and work out with my teammates once again," Lawrence said. "We are excited about the upcoming year and feel like we have a lot to prove."

After completing their final session of summer courses, the Tigers are scheduled to return to campus this weekend, before starting the fall semester on Aug. 20.