By Andrew Melroe, Mizzou Strategic Communications
COLUMBIA, Mo. - As the season has progressed, Mizzou Men's Basketball has received a much-needed boost from its most experienced player. Senior forward Ryan Rosburg (Chesterfield, Mo.) has missed a mere three shots in six Southeastern Conference games this season. The lone Tiger senior has connected on 19-of-22 shot attempts (86.4 percent) and has not missed more than one shot in a game since Dec. 23 against Illinois.
"Every time you see the ball go through the net, it gives you some added confidence," said Rosburg.
With 58 starts under his belt, Rosburg has been able to build upon his success in the early portion of the conference schedule, and has made attention to detail a focal point in practice.
"Little things here and there, just fine tuning my offensive moves, working on my touch," Rosburg said. "My teammates have been doing a great job putting me in a good position to score, making it easier for me to put the ball in the basket. That's a testament to how hard we have been working in practice."
Through dedication in practice over four seasons, Rosburg has seen his repertoire grow immensely since joining the Tigers in 2012.
"My favorite move has to be the up-and-under," Rosburg said. "That's my go-to move. I think I have a lot of moves in my offensive package. It's just knowing which moves to use at the right time."
Thanks to hard work in practice, and a wide-range of scoring techniques to choose from, Rosburg scored a season-high 12 points on a career-high six made field goals in only 14 minutes at No. 19 South Carolina on Jan. 16. The Tiger senior knows the SEC schedule will not get any easier moving forward, and sticking to the process will be key in continuing to improve.
"Keep doing what I have been doing," Rosburg said. "In the SEC where there are so many good athletes, guys who will play professionally, we just have to keep building on the progress we have made as a team."
Rosburg hopes he can help relay some of his knowledge to the younger Tigers, even as his time at Mizzou nears an end.
"Helping my teammates prepare in practice. Letting them know what they will be up against come game time. How to keep their poise. Those are all things I'm telling the young guys while we go through conference play," said Rosburg.
The underclassmen on Mizzou's roster will be turning to Rosburg more than ever as the Tigers prepare to play No. 20 Kentucky at Rupp Arena on Wednesday night. The Tigers and Wildcats will tip off at 8 p.m. CT on the SEC Network.