The first time Xavier Pinson threw Kevin Puryear a no-look pass, during a summer workout session, the veteran forward didn’t put much stock into the play.
Pinson, a freshman, could be trying to impress him, Puryear figured, but it was just one play. The next attempt could wind up in the stands, or the 6-foot-2 point guard from Chicago could just be a bit reckless.
But as more and more of Pinson’s no-look passes have set up his Missouri basketball teammates for scores this season, Puryear has a different opinion. Entering Missouri’s game at South Carolina on Saturday, the Tigers have learned that Pinson has been a more than a capable backup to fellow senior Jordan Geist.