Missouri hopes to put some positive spin on its disappointing basketball season at the SEC Tournament this week.
Winning a game or two would lift the program’s spirits heading into its critical offseason work. Mizzou’s defensive identity is firmly established and Jeremiah Tilmon and Mark Smith are back in the offensive flow, so a positive showing seems feasible.
A happier ending could help coach Cuonzo Martin with player retention and/or recruiting in the grad transfer and JUCO markets. That could set the stage for a year-four breakthrough — something Martin desperately needs to move the program forward.