By Andrew Melroe, Mizzou Strategic Communications
Head coach Cuonzo Martin had just taken the helm of the Mizzou Men's Basketball program. It was time to hit the ground running on the recruiting trail.
Martin's first objective was to upgrade the talent level of his team. That was certainly accomplished with the addition of the No. 1-ranked high school prospect in the nation, Michael Porter, Jr., as well as four-star prospects Jeremiah Tilmon and Blake Harris signed to a recruiting class that already featured four-star Texas guard C.J. Roberts.
The group of talented freshmen were to join a nucleus of experienced returners for Mizzou, which included the squad's top three scorers from 2016-17, Terrence Phillips, Kevin Puryear and Jordan Barnett, who combined to score 34.4 points per game last season.
A missing piece to Martin's puzzle was crucial to Mizzou's potential success: three-point shooting.
Enter graduate transfer Kassius Robertson.
A career 40-percent three-point shooter in three seasons at Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y., Robertson saw an opportunity to be a part of something special at Mizzou; an opportunity he could not pass up.
"It was the perfect fit," Robertson said. "Joining this team was a great fit, because I knew they needed someone at my position with my skillset. The buzz around the team has been tremendous, as well. I really feel we have the talent to elevate this program to the next level.
"The exposure is going to be crazy, but I love playing in that high-pressure environment. A lot of people get nervous, but I just like it. We have the potential to win big. Having that type of success is obviously a dream of anybody who plays college basketball."
Already a seasoned veteran, Robertson has come in looking as advertised to Martin.
"The way he's shooting the ball, Kassius is a great addition," Martin remarked at the summer's first press conference.
"He's competed at a high level," Martin said. "Anytime you shoot 41 percent from three-point being the main guy, that means you shot 41 percent. I can only imagine what his percentage could be if he's not the focal point of everything you're doing. If he can just catch it, shoot it and play."
Back as a freshman in 2014-15, Robertson earned Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Rookie Team honors for Canisus by averaging 6.8 points per game in 19.1 minutes per game off the bench. But hitting 29 three-pointers in his debut campaign was just the beginning. After being inserted into the starting lineup as a sophomore, he increased his deep range makes to 86 and 98 in 2015-16 and 2016-17, respectively.
Robertson's impressive junior campaign, with 98 threes, ranks second-most in Canisus school history as he averaged 16.1 points per game and earned All-MAAC Second Team honors. The Toronto, Ontario, native shot better than 40 percent in each season as a Griff, and dished 2.4 assists per game this past season.
Robertson's experience on the court will be a valued asset to Mizzou as the Tigers continue to gel as a team. Not one returning squad member has more starts at the D-I level than Robertson's 66. He even has experience being on the road in an SEC gym, as Robertson led the Griffs in scoring against Kentucky on Nov. 13, 2016, dropping 16 points while grabbing four rebounds and dishing two assists in 35 minutes at Rupp Arena.
"Kassius has been good because he's experienced and loves to work on his game," Martin said. "He understands what it takes."
The wisdom Robertson gained from three seasons at Canisius was something he hoped his Tiger teammates will benefit from.
"Mostly, I have been talking to them about that first game," Robertson said. "Just how summer time and practice gets you ready, but it's nothing close to stepping on that floor for the first time with the game on the line. I keep telling them, 'You're going to have a bad game, it's inevitable.' No one has a good game every single game in college basketball, the competition is too good. I've been stressing to the younger guys that it's really important to keep a level head, keep your confidence and don't let it affect your next game or even your next play."
The Tiger senior acknowledged the excitement surrounding his new team and how crucial it will be to not shy away from the moment. Robertson noted that he would certainly savor it for as long as possible.
"It's crazy, this being my last go-around," Robertson said. "I am going to enjoy Mizzou as much as I can. I've got to take advantage of every opportunity and every chance I get."