(MISSOURI BASKETBALL APP) - The Tigers are returning home from a tournament that tested them in many ways.
Mizzou won the games it was supposed to win, but the trip revealed where this team needs to improve. The Tigers' lack of chemistry and poor shooting were a theme in Nassau.
The Tigers made 43% of their shots, a stat that is not bad but could have been a lot better. The team left a number of points out on the court. Some of that was due to unforgiving rims (if you watched the games you know exactly what I mean). Many of the missed opportunities however, were due to missed open shots, particularly easy buckets in the paint.
Shot selection was also a problem. The Tigers often took three point shots when it was not necessary, especially against Louisville and VCU. This was partially due to Phil Pressey's take charge play that sometimes resulted in long range shots being taken early in the shot clock.
The last two games demonstrated how much work the Tigers have to do to find cohesiveness as a unit. Only two players (Pressey and Dixon) played last season. Pressey is usually the floor general and he is having a hard time figuring out where many of his teammates are. The only solution to this problem is to play more games which will result in better chemistry. This is something that should be expected when the roster is largely made up of freshmen and transfers.
Getting Michael Dixon back will also help this squad tremendously. Once Dixon returns he will take some of the pressure off of Pressey.
Frank Haith's team is good shape, it just has a few kinks to smooth out.
