COLUMBIA, Mo. — For the first time in a few years, the college basketball world is starting to notice Cuonzo Martin’s Missouri Tigers.
Coming off wins over Oregon and Wichita State, the Tigers landed votes in both national polls Monday. The Southeastern Conference named Mark Smith its player of the week. ESPN tagged Martin as the national coach of the week.
Now comes the part that follows a few early wins: managing the trappings of success.
A team loaded with upperclassmen doesn’t expect that challenge to tilt its focus.
“We have a lot of older guys, and I think we'll be able to handle it well,” senior guard Dru Smith said Tuesday.