COLUMBIA, Mo. — Aijha Blackwell’s heart was always set on No. 33. When Missouri recruited the guard from St. Louis, she asked coach Robin Pingeton if she’d be able to wear the number should she decide to play for the Tigers.
Blackwell’s father wore 33. Ernest Blackwell was a running back for Missouri from 1994-97. He rushed for 1,309 yards in his career as a Tiger and was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs.
When Aijha was 3 years old, Ernest died after a struggle with police. That day, Aug. 11, 2004, Ernest shot his 9-year-old stepdaughter with a shotgun, attacked a neighbor and later fought with police outside his home in North St.