COLUMBIA, MO. • Perhaps the most surprising development during Missouri’s ascension from three straight last-place finishes in the Southeastern Conference to making the NCAA Tournament in Cuonzo Martin’s first season has been the rise of the team’s most complete player.
From that October exhibition against Kansas to Friday’s NCAA opener in Nashville, Martin’s rotation took multiple twists and turns, and as game No. 33 tips off Friday against Florida State, the team’s youngest member has become the true barometer of Mizzou’s play. For all the fuss about his older brother’s return from back surgery, Jontay Porter has given the Tigers (20-12) one of the most prolific seasons for a freshman in team history.