On Friday, four-star small forward Aidan Shaw made a commitment to Mizzou Basketball that got fans and the city of Columbia roaring. In 2017, the Tigers hired Cuonzo Martin to lead the basketball team. The instant impact was made in the recruitment trail as Michael Porter Jr, the number one player in the nation, committed to Missouri. That caused Jeremiah Tilmon and his brother Jontay Porter to follow. Excitement was brewing for the Tigers as they made the NCAA Tournament that season.
Since then, Mizzou has only made it to the big dance once. The recruiting trail hasn’t been so hot for Martin since then and fans have voiced their displeasure with that. Landing Shaw doesn’t make that go away and it definitely isn’t in the realm of 2017, but this gives fans something to look forward to in the years to come. Martin’s job is far from done, but getting a top-100 player is the starting point.
Mizzou Basketball Gets a Huge Commitment
High School Profile
The 6’8, 190-pound commit from Blue Valley High school in Kansas verbally committed to Mizzou Basketball on Friday. Aiden Shaw is a top-50 player in the nation out of the 2022 class. Last season for Blue Valley, he averaged 19.6 points with 8.1 rebounds as he shot 46 percent from the field. Shaw can shoot the ball and has the skill to pass as well. He showed he can play defense as he averaged 3.5 blocks and has the size to help in the post.
The Mizzou commit has improved every season he’s played but still has a few things to work on for his senior season before he plays for the Tigers. Shaw plays a well-rounded game, something Cuonzo wants to instill in this team. He has leadership-type qualities that Mizzou Basketball hopes can be the start of something in Columbia.
Mizzou in 2021-22
Shaw won’t be able to play until 2022, but Cuonzo is hoping he sees signs of improvement for next season. 2021-22 is a bridge year for what Missouri hopes to be an up-and-coming team in 2022. Among the departed players from last year are Jeremiah Tilmon, Xavier Pinson, Mark Smith, and Dru Smith. That’s a good chunk of experience and veteran leadership gone. With Kobe Brown being the only returning starter, players will have to step up, including the Tigers’ sixth-man from last year Javon Pickett, who will be a huge part of this team in 2021-22.
Mizzou Basketball has a few incoming transfers this season, led by Ronnie DeGray III, who can add a jump to the frontcourt. Cuonzo also brought in Jarron Coleman, Amari Davis, and Dajuan Gordon, all of who have talent and have shown it with their respective teams. This is a solid group of talent that can be competitive in the SEC and become spoilers.
Waiting For 2022-23
2021-22 will be a down season in many areas for this team but it’ll be intriguing to see if Kobe Brown can lead and the transfers have something to offer. This isn’t a year fans will get their hopes up but for 2022-23, bringing in Aidan Shaw will provide a spark. In no way shape or form will Shaw alone be enough to get this team where they want to be but it may be a start.
Mizzou Basketball has a lot of eyes on the talent they want to bring in for 2022, but a strong pitch is what’ll take for them to join Shaw. Cuonzo Martin has extended offers to more in-state talent, something that’s been lacking for years. This is a positive sign that the Missouri staff is out and busy for the 2022-23 season. Getting Shaw to commit over the likes of Kansas, Maryland, Arkansas, Iowa, and Oklahoma State is hopefully a step taken toward other recruits following to play for Mizzou basketball.
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