NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
Returning senior forward Trent Pierce is an anomaly. In modern-day basketball, it is incredibly rare to keep a starting-caliber player for all four years, but the Tigers have done just that with Pierce.
In a roster dominated by youth and new talent, Pierce sticks out. The lengthy forward is one of six returners, one of two returning seniors and the sole projected returning starter.
Advertisement
While many have their eyes set on standout freshmen Jason Crowe Jr. and Toni Bryant, or sophomore transfers Bryson Tiller and Jamier Jones, Pierce has gone under the radar as one of the most vital pieces to success for Missouri basketball.
With Pierce as the second-highest scorer that played for a high-major program last season on this year’s roster, it is likely that the 6-foot-10 forward will be given a higher workload and shot diet in the upcoming season. Here’s a look at Pierce’s fit, ceiling and floor with the Tigers this year.
What Pierce Provides
Feb. 19, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers guard/forward Jacob Crews (35) celebrates with forward Trent Pierce (11) after Pierce made a layup in the first half of a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mizzou Arena. | Amber Winkler/MissouriOnSI
Pierce’s biggest contribution to Missouri is his shooting and scoring ability. As a silky-smooth, near 7-foot forward, Pierce poses as a major threat for opposing defenses.
Advertisement
At his size and speed, he can rearrange many defensive schemes, causing the opposing teams to attempt to pair someone with similar height and athletic ability. More often than not, this archetype of player will not be available to other teams, resulting in Pierce having an advantage to get to the basket or knocking down triples with ease.
Due to an injury last year, the sharpshooter didn’t start playing until SEC play began, but he quickly found his role on the team and thrived in it. Pierce averaged 10.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 steals in less than 30 minutes per contest. In his 12 starts…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/trent-pierces-ceiling-floor-mizzou-180530659.html
Author :
Publish date : 2026-06-10 18:05:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
