Mizzou Basketball signee Jakeenan Gant (Springfield, Ga. /Effingham County High School) was named Mr. Basketball in the state of Georgia by the Atlanta Tipoff Club on Wednesday.

A 6-foot-8, 215-pound forward, Gant averaged 21.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.0 blocks and 2.8 assists for the Rebels this season, who finished the year 20-10 and advanced to the second round of the Class AAAAA state playoffs.

Gant’s honor comes in the talent-rich state of Georgia where 14 players are currently ranked among the Rivals Top 150 nationally in the classes of 2014 and 2015.

“I’m so excited for Jakeenan and his family,” Mizzou Head Coach Frank Haith said. “He had a great senior season, led his team back to the state playoffs, and has really developed his overall game throughout the year. We are all excited to have him and Namon Wright (Los Angeles / Pacific Hills) join our family next season.”

While his scoring numbers and perimeter ability (shot 35 percent from three-point range) will help the Tigers in 2014-15, Gant stepped up his defensive game down the stretch averaging 11.5 blocks in two playoff contests.

“Our region continues to produce some of the deepest talent anywhere in the country, as evidenced by this list of honorees,” said Eric Oberman, Atlanta Tipoff Club executive director.  “We congratulate all the players, coaches and teams who achieved tremendous successes on the hardwood this season.”

Last season Gant was named the Georgia Class AAAAA Player of the Year after averaging 17.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and nearly four blocked shots per game. Effingham County finished the 2013 season with a 27-5 record and Gant burst onto the national scene with his all-state performance.

— MU Sports Information —