COLUMBIA, MO. • Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin believes every game center Jeremiah Tilmon steps on the floor is loaded with teachable moments for the freshman. With Georgia coming to Mizzou Arena on Wednesday, Tilmon will enroll in a master’s class in post play.
While Martin grits his teeth at the fouls that continue to shackle his 6-11 rookie, the Tigers now face the Southeastern Conference’s most polished, most productive big man, Georgia’s Yante Maten, the rare college post player who doubles as his team’s offensive centerpiece. The 6-9 senior has sharpened parts of his game each season in Athens and arrives here Wednesday as the SEC’s most complete big man — and perhaps best player overall.