COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Men’s Basketball has signed future student-athlete Frankie Hughes (Cleveland, Ohio) to the program’s 2016 recruiting class, head coach Kim Anderson announced. A 6-4, 185-pound guard, Hughes inked financial aid agreement documents Wednesday morning to affirm his commitment to Mizzou.
Hughes tormented Ohio’s Division I, the state’s highest section of high school basketball, alongside current Mizzou signee Willie Jackson, with the Garfield Heights duo set to wear the Black & Gold for the 2016-17 season. Both Hughes and Jackson were named to the Associated Press’ Division I All-Ohio First Team to close their senior seasons, in which they led Garfield Heights to back-to-back regional titles for the first time in school history.
“Bringing someone with Frankie’s ability and attitude into our program is very exciting,” Anderson said. “He comes from an outstanding program at Garfield Heights where he competed and won on the biggest stage in the state of Ohio. We feel Frankie’s skillset can make an impact with our program. Most of all, he comes from a great family and is a young man who I think Mizzou fans will enjoy getting to know.
“Frankie will join his high school teammate and longtime friend, Willie Jackson, here at Mizzou. We’re really looking forward to having both of those young men on campus this summer.”
As a senior in 2015-16, Hughes averaged 19.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs, leading head coach Sonny Johnson’s squad to a strong 23-5 record and a second consecutive state semifinals appearance. Hughes was recognized to cleveland.com’s boys basketball All-Star team for his efforts.
Hughes showed his potential for big scoring outputs throughout his senior year, recording five games of 20 points or more. He scored 20 points in the thrilling 70-69 double overtime win over Shaw that gained Garfield Heights the regional crown.
Hughes was considered one of the top prospects in the state of Ohio throughout his senior season, ranking as high as 11th in the state according to 247sports.com.
“Everybody is on the same page for Mizzou, it’s exciting to know the program really is a family,” Hughes said. “I feel like the coaching staff and players all really know each other and have great relationships. That stood out to me. I know I’ll bring a lot of energy, both of as a student, athlete and Columbia resident. I can’t wait to get on campus and have a lot of interaction with everyone. I’m a people person.
“I think Mizzou fans will see that I won’t give up on any play. If it’s a loose ball, I’m diving. At this level, you have to understand that every play counts.”
As a junior in 2014-15, Hughes helped lead Garfield Heights to a stout 24-4 record before bowing out to eventual champion, Westerville South, by a score of 60-57. Hughes recorded a double-double to end his junior campaign with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Hughes averaged nearly 15 points per game as a junior, including a season- and career-high 28 points vs. Mentor early in the campaign.
Hughes previously signed a national letter of intent to Louisville before asking for his release. The newly-inked Tiger also considered Miami (Fla.), Texas A&M, VCU, Wichita State and Wisconsin, among others, at the time.
Hughes’ signing joins him with the current 2016 recruiting class of Jackson, Reed Nikko (Maple Grove, Minn.) and Mitchell Smith (Van Buren, Ark.).
— Mizzou Athletics —