Mizzou Men's Basketball Adds Three to 2022 Class
11/10/2021 5:53:00 PM | Men's Basketball
The 2022 class includes Aidan Shaw, Christian Jones and Jackson Francois
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Mizzou men's basketball team and Head Coach Cuonzo Martin announced three talented additions to the Tigers basketball program on the first day of the early signing period.
Aidan Shaw and Christian Jones both signed National Letters of Intent with Jackson Francois also joining the 2022 class – helping make up what looks to be a very experienced roster next season.
Aidan Shaw • F • 6-8 • 200 • Overland Park, Kansas • Blue Valley HS
Officially official. #ToTheFinishLine ???? pic.twitter.com/mYqnWZEul5
— Mizzou Hoops (@MizzouHoops) November 10, 2021
Shaw checks in as an athletic, 6-8 wing/forward who is a consensus four-star prospect and a top-60 recruit in the 2022 class. He is the No. 3 player in the state of Kansas and the highest-rated recruit to commit to the Tigers since Martin's first recruiting class in 2017.
"Aidan is an exceptional athlete whose talent and potential is through the roof," Martin said. "He is a tireless worker and a consistent winner. We began building a relationship with Aidan and his family when I first arrived at Mizzou and it quickly became apparent that Aidan is the type of player that personifies Mizzou Basketball – elite talent and elite character."
As a junior Shaw averaged 19.6 points per game in addition to eight rebounds and three blocks all while shooting 46.2 percent from the field. With an impressive wingspan and quickness, Shaw provides great defensive talent in addition to his offense tools. He also impressed on the travel circuit, where he plays with the established MoKan Elite team.
Shaw picked Missouri over a slew of offers including Arkansas, Kansas and Iowa. Shaw's parents, Ivy and Emmett, both attended Mizzou.
Christian Jones • G • 6-4 • 205 • East St. Louis, Illinois • East St. Louis HS
Signed ??#ToTheFinishLine ???? pic.twitter.com/0uMEpvjiCe
— Mizzou Hoops (@MizzouHoops) November 10, 2021
Jones becomes the latest talented athlete out of East St. Louis to commit to Mizzou. A combo guard, he has the skill and speed to affect both guard spots.
During a shortened junior season, Jones averaged 11 points, six assists, four rebounds and over two steals per game. He garnered plenty of attention last season, playing with the Brad Beal Elite AAU squad and currently plays with the St. Louis Eagles. Jones played his freshman and sophomore seasons at Granite City High, where he averaged 12 points and three assists per game as a sophomore.
"Christian is a combo guard that will bring great size, athleticism and skill to our perimeter," said Martin. "He has the ability to distribute and score the ball at a high level, as well as effectively impact play on the defensive end. We look forward to seeing Christian positively impact all facets of our program."
Jackson Francois • G • 6-3 • Las Vegas, Nevada • Bishop Gorman HS
M-I-Z. #ToTheFinishLine ???? pic.twitter.com/aO9ptuqV4S
— Mizzou Hoops (@MizzouHoops) November 11, 2021
Francois joins the program as a walk-on, coming from an accomplished prep program at Bishop Gorman.
"I've known Jackson for years and he excels in the classroom, on the court and within the community," said Martin. "He plays with a high-level basketball program and understands the rigors of what it means to be a successful student-athlete. Anytime you can add a player to your program with character and substance on-and-off the court, it is a big win."
Francois committed to the Tigers this past June. He is the son of Mizzou Director of Athletics Desiree-Reed Francois, who took the post in August 2021.
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