Still the Wright Fit
The biggest job in recruiting for a new coach is to hold on to the commitments his new program already has. Mizzou coach Kim Anderson has done that. PowerMizzou.com has confirmed a report that California shooting guard Namon Wright is sticking with his pledge to Mizzou.
"Yes, I recommitted," the four-star shooting guard told PowerMizzou.com via text message.
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Moments later, Wright posted the following message on his Twitter account: "Thank you to all the coaches who've been a part of this process, but I'm a Tiger baby. I've decided to re-commit to the ZOU!"
Wright, the nation's No. 73 prospect in the Class of 2014, originally committed in September and signed with the Tigers in the fall signing period. But after Frank Haith left for Tulsa, Wright was granted a release from his Letter of Intent by Mizzou. That took place on May 8th and Wright took an official visit to Utah after gaining his release.
But on Friday morning, news broke that Wright was coming back to Missouri. Wright joins Jakeenan Gant, D'Angelo Allen and Hawaii transfer Keith Shamburger in Anderson's first recruiting class. Here's what Rivals.com national analyst Eric Bossi has said about Wright's game:
"An up and down shooting guard who seems to be a bit feast or famine. When he's on there is a great blend of outside jump shooting, finishing at the rim and mid range pull-up jumpers. When off, his defense suffers and shot selection gets questionable."
Updated 2:10 p.m.: Just hours after Wright's commitment, the Tigers announced that freshman guard Shane Rector would transfer.
"I understand Shane's desire for extended playing time and will do whatever I can to assist him in this process," Head Coach Kim Anderson said in a statement. "I certainly want to thank Shane for his time at Missouri and want to wish him and his family all the best."
"I appreciate Coach Anderson and the administration at Missouri for supporting me as I look for a new opportunity," Rector said. "This was a difficult decision because I have made some great friends during my time here. Mizzou is a great University with great people. This was just a personal decision that my family and I felt was in my best interest."
The re-addition of Wright and the departure of Rector gives Missouri 11 scholarship players on the roster right now, leaving two scholarships still available in the Class of 2014. Former Wake Forest signee Shelton Mitchell is scheduled to visit Missouri this weekend. Mitchell will visit Vanderbilt after Mizzou and plans to make a decision next Thursday. If Mitchell were to choose the Tigers, that would give Anderson three of the top 76 prospects in the Class of 2014 in his initial recruiting class.
As it currently stands, the Tigers have four scholarships available in 2015, though that could change as this class rounds out. As of this moment, four scholarships are also available for the 2016 recruiting class, which includes a potential national top-five target in St. Louis' Jayson Tatum.
Wright is currently in class and unavailable for a full interview. However, PowerMizzou.com will be in touch with him for a full story as soon as possible and will continue to follow the Tigers' recruiting efforts throughout the spring.