Call it the Alex Oriakhi sweepstakes. The 6'9" forward from UConn is seeking a transfer due to next years sanctions prohibiting the Huskies from playing in the NCAA tournament, due to falling below the NCAA's minimum requirement for academic progress. This would enable whoever the winner is to gain his services next year, without the normal year without playing. The Tigers reportedly are among the final four teams in line for a visit, along with UNC, Duke and Kentucky. Pretty heady company, and normally you wouldn't expect to hear the Tigers mentioned with the other three programs. However, the Tigers have an ace up their sleeve in this game. Oriakhi and Tiger point guard Phil Pressey are good friends and former AAU teammates. If you're a big man, looking to make one last good impression on NBA scouts, who wouldn't like Pressey's ability to get him the ball? And adding him to a front line that includes returning forward Laurence Bowers, along with incoming recruits Tony Criswell, Ryan Rosburg and Stefan Jankovic and the height disadvantage the Tigers played with this year would suddenly be a thing of the past. Come on Phil, let's close this deal.
Former Missouri wide receiver Sean Coffey was on with Bob Costas last night, ripping Tiger football and the coaching staff because he left Mizzou without a degree. Coffey spent 5 years in Columbia and achieved some success, voted honorable mention Big XII in 2004, making 39 catches for 648 yards and 10 touchdowns. He left Missouri 3 hours short of getting his degree in agriculture after failing the only class he was taking that semester, chemistry. He was an undrafted free agent and had a couple of chances with NFL teams but was unable to stick with any of them. Now I'm not privy to all that goes on with academics, but I do know that Missouri offers tutors to all athletes, as do all universities pretty much, and the Tigers are among the best in the country at getting athletes graduated. I liked Sean as a player but if he was unable to finish his degree, then perhaps he should look in the mirror.
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