COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Baseball junior OF Trey Harris (Powder Springs, Ga.) was named Collegiate Baseball Newspaper National Player of the Week, announced by the publication Monday morning (April 17). He is the first Mizzou player to earn the distinction since Tanner Houck (Collinsville, Ill.) took home the award on March 28 of last season. This is the first time Harris has earned the award as well.

Harris had a monster week for Mizzou, helping the Tigers to a 3-2 record in five games. Harris slugged five homers, including homering in four consecutive at-bats during the Kentucky series on Friday and Saturday. Harris homered three times in the Saturday game, making him the first Tiger with three homers in a game since Jacob Priday hit a school-record four in a 31-12 win over Texas on April 11, 2008. Harris now sits third in the SEC with 11 homers, the most by a Mizzou player since 2012. He drove in eight runs last week and scored seven more.

On the year, Harris is hitting .298 and leads the team in homers (11), walks (29), RBI (40) and slugging (.603) and he ranks second on the team in OBP (.436). Harris is now third in the SEC in slugging and 14th in on-base percentage while only two players have hit more home runs than his 11. He is also third in the SEC with 29 walks.

Harris and the Tigers close their six-game homestand tomorrow against Missouri State at 6:30 p.m.

— Mizzou Athletics —

COLUMBIA, Mo. – No. 10 Kentucky tallied four runs in the sixth inning to earn a 6-1 win in the rubber game of a three-game series with Mizzou Baseball on Easter Sunday (April 16) at Taylor Stadium. The game moved into the sixth inning at 2-1, but UK used a pair of infield singles, two hit batters and a walk to plate four runs in what turned out to be the decisive inning. Mizzou falls to 26-11 on the year and 7-8 in SEC play while Kentucky goes to 25-12 and 10-5 in SEC play, sitting atop the SEC East standings.

Junior RHP Bryce Montes De Oca (Lawrence, Kan.) took the loss, falling to 3-2 on the year, after going 5.0+ innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits with three walks and four strikeouts. Kentucky’s Justin Lewis earned the win, improving to 5-2 on the year. He went 5.0 innings and allowed just three hits and one run (earned) with no walks and four strikeouts.

Junior C Brett Bond (St. Louis, Mo.) hit his seventh homer of the season and fourth of the series, a solo shot in the fourth inning. Junior OF Trey Harris (Powder Springs, Ga.) also reached base twice to continue a red-hot weekend.

Montes De Oca allowed a leadoff single to Tristan Pompey to open the game, but struck out All-American 1B Evan White and got a 4-6-3 double play to escape the inning on just eight pitches. Mizzou got a baserunner in the first as Trey Harris (Powder Springs, Ga.) was hit by a pitch, but he was stranded.

Montes De Oca needed just 10 pitches to retire the side in the second but ran into trouble in the third, issuing a leadoff walk. A passed ball moved the runner to third, but Alex Samples (Bridgeport, Texas) made a great play on a hard-hit ball at third for the second out to save a run. Montes De Oca then struck out the red hot Tristan Pompey to strand the runner.

White then tallied a leadoff double in the fourth inning and Montes De Oca then walked Zach Reks and hit Luke Becker to lead the bases with no outs. Riley Mahan then hit a sacrifice fly to give the Cats a 1-0 lead. A throwing error by C Brett Bond (St. Louis, Mo.) on a double steal led to another run in the fourth as Kentucky took a 2-0 lead.

Bond atoned for his error in the bottom of the fourth inning, launching his fourth homer of the series and seventh of the season, a two-out solo shot on a 3-1 pitch to cut the lead in half at 2-1. Mizzou got the tying run on second in the fifth inning, but Connor Brumfield (Columbia, Mo.) popped out to strand the tying run.

UK then got a walk and a pair of infield hits to score a run, extending the lead to 3-1. Mizzou reliever Cole Bartlett (Williamsburg, Ind.) then hit back-to-back batters, the latter with the bases loaded to score another run. Marcus Carson then hit a two-run single to extend the lead to 6-1.

— Mizzou Athletics —

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Men’s Basketball has signed one of the nation’s top guards, Blake Harris (Chapel Hill, N.C.), to its 2017 recruiting class, head coach Cuonzo Martin announced Thursday. The 6-3, 185-pound guard has starred for Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina, averaging 25.0 points and 9.9 assists per game while leading his squad to a 27-6 record as a senior in 2016-17.

A gifted scorer and passer out of the basketball-crazed state of North Carolina, Harris is considered the third-best prospect in the Tar Heel State by ESPN.com, along with a 99th overall national rating. Harris was named First Team All-State by the Associated Press following his stellar senior campaign.

“We’re excited to welcome Blake Harris to the Mizzou Basketball Family,” Martin said. “His parents, Kellie and Bernardo Harris, did a great job raising a young man who understands the values of life, not just basketball. Blake’s attributes on the basketball court, working hard and never quitting, will be what make him an overall outstanding representative of our program.

“Throughout the recruiting process, Blake had his pick of schools he would likely thrive at as a student-athlete, but he chose the University of Missouri because of that unique feeling he discovered on our campus. There is a level of excitement building here in Columbia that will be fun for everyone to be a part of, especially Blake, who will be a great member of our team.”

Ranked as a four-star recruit by both ESPN.com and 247Sports, Harris is also rated inside Rivals.com’s final “Rivals150” 2017 prospect ranking. He is ranked as highly as the 20th-best guard in the entire 2017 class by ESPN.com and the 29th-best point guard by 247Sports.

“Mizzou’s coaching staff made me feel like I was already a part of their family,” Harris said. “They are men of God, which I appreciate. It isn’t all about basketball with Coach Martin and his staff. Making sure I am doing well in all aspects of my life seemed what mattered most to them, which I respected. On the court and for the Mizzou program, I plan to be a winner. I like to lead by example and get the best out of my teammates.

“Mizzou has the best fan base I’ve ever seen. My visit to campus was incredible. The whole place was putting off really great vibes and I’m just really excited to be a part of that.”

On the travel ball circuit, Harris played for Team CP3, which is the Nike EYBL squad sponsored by Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers.

Soon to be a notable alum of Word of God, Harris will share that distinction with current NBA star John Wall, who played his junior and senior seasons at the academy.

Harris’ signing of a financial aid agreement with the University of Missouri includes him in a growing recruiting class with recent signee Michael Porter, Jr. (Columbia, Mo.) and incoming guard C.J. Roberts (North Richland Hills, Texas).

— Mizzou Athletics —

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Men’s Basketball has signed the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit, Michael Porter, Jr. (Columbia, Mo.) to its 2017 recruiting class, head coach Cuonzo Martin announced on Wednesday. Porter returns home to Columbia, Missouri, as the Tigers’ first McDonald’s All-America signee since 2000. The 6-10, 215-pound forward played his senior season for Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, Washington, in 2016-17, averaging an outstanding 36.2 points and 13.6 rebounds per game.

The signing of Porter brings the Show-Me State back one of its own to cheer for as the talented future Tiger starred for Father Tolton Catholic in Columbia from 2013-16, leading the Trailblazers to the 2016 Missouri Class 3 State Championship inside Mizzou Arena.

“It goes without saying, but Michael is a special player and a special person,” Martin said. “Michael comes to the Mizzou Family from a great family of his own, and our basketball program is thrilled to have a student-athlete with his character, drive and passion. Lisa and Michael Porter, Sr., raised Michael well. He is continually motivated to give and is always striving to be a great teammate.

“Most of all, welcome home to Michael. Mizzou is a special place and Columbia is a community that already knows him well. I’m looking forward to Michael representing Mizzou well, on and off the court and in the classroom, and I’m sure he looks forward to it, as well.”

As a junior in 2015-16, Porter averaged 28.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game and helped Tolton to a 26-3 record and Columbia’s first high school state basketball championship in 54 years.

As a senior in 2016-17, the Porter-powered Nathan Hale squad posted a perfect 29-0 record en route to the Washington Class 3A State Championship. The state title was the first-ever for the Seattle school.

Honored as the Most Valuable Player of the 2017 McDonald’s All-American Game in Chicago on March 29, Porter completed a significant trifecta of awards by also garnering the Naismith and Gatorade Boys national player of the year awards. He is just the fifth basketball player ever to claim all three honors and first since 2004, joining the prolific listing of Dwight Howard (2004), LeBron James (2003), Chris Webber (1991) and Alonzo Mourning (1988).

Porter is Mizzou’s sixth all-time McDonald’s All-American signee; the first since Travon Bryant (2000). Porter’s name resides on a list that also includes: Albert White (1995), Anthony Peeler (1988), Derrick Chievous (1984) and Steve Stipanovich (1979).

Porter is considered the nation’s top recruit by ESPN.com and Rivals, as well as a five-star prospect by the aforementioned outlets and Scout.com and 247Sports. Additionally selected as USA Today’s All-USA Boys Basketball Player of the Year, Porter was named to All-America teams by USA Today, Associated Press, the Naismith Trophy and MaxPreps.

Beyond mere accolades, Porter has showcased his talent on national and international levels, playing for the Team USA U-18 squad on multiple occasions while earning a spot in the Jordan Brand Classic (April 14).

The son of Lisa and Michael Porter, Sr., Michael Porter, Jr. has seven siblings: Bri, Cierra, Jontay, Coban, Jevan, Izaak and Jayda. Older sisters Bri and Cierra play for Mizzou Women’s Basketball, coached by their aunt, Robin Pingeton. His father, Michael Porter, Sr., serves as an assistant coach on Martin’s staff. His mother, Lisa, played college basketball at Iowa, while his father played collegiately at New Orleans.

Porter’s signing of a financial aid agreement with the University of Missouri includes him in a growing recruiting class with incoming guard C.J. Roberts (North Richland Hills, Texas).

— Mizzou Athletics —

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Baseball pushed its win streak to four games with a 15-6 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Tuesday afternoon (April 12) at Taylor Stadium. Mizzou posted a pair of seven-run innings (the first and fourth) and pounded out four extra-base hits and two homers to score its second-most runs of the year. Mizzou moves to 25-9 on the year with the win.

Mizzou jumped all over Arkansas-Pine Bluff in the first, tallying four hits and taking advantage of a pair of errors to plate seven runs, staking starting pitcher Ryan Lee (Grandview, Mo.) to an early lead. Kirby McGuire (Round Rock, Texas), Chris Cornelius (St. Louis, Mo.) and Connor Brumfield (Columbia, Mo.) tallied two-out RBI singles in the frame.

UAPB took advantage of five walks, a wild pitch and an error in the top of the third inning to cut the lead to 7-3. LF Jordan Knox then hit a two-out, three-run homer to cut the lead to 7-6, getting the Golden Lions back into the game. But just as quick as UAPB got back into the game, Mizzou broke it open again with one run in the third and seven more in the bottom of the fourth, highlighted by homers from Brian Sharp (Liberty, Mo.) and Kameron Misner (Poplar Bluff, Mo.).

That was all the offense that Mizzou needed as sophomore RHP Cameron Dulle (St. Louis, Mo.) settled things down for the Mizzou pitchers from there as he tossed a career-long 3.1 innings and allowed just three hits with two strikeouts while holding UAPB off the board. He earned his first career win.

The Tigers return home this weekend for a big series with SEC East-leading Kentucky, beginning Friday at 6:30 p.m.

— Mizzou Athletics —

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Baseball topped Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 13-1, Tuesday night at Taylor Stadium to extend its winning streak to three games. Junior RHP Andy Toelken (Green Cove Springs, Fla.) tossed a gem, throwing his first career complete game and the first nine-inning complete game this season. Toelken dominated on the bump as he flirted with a no-hitter through 5.2 innings and gave up just a pair of hits and a single run while striking out a career-high seven.

Mizzou was led offensively by freshman OF Kameron Misner (Poplar Bluff, Mo.), who knocked in a career-high four runs and reached base in each of his four at bats as he tallied a triple, a pair of doubles, and a walk

With the victory, Mizzou improves to 24-9 on the season. In the win, Connor Brumfield (Columbia, Mo.) and Kirby McGuire (Round Rock, Texas) also had multiple hits. Mizzou pounded out 14 hits, its most since slugging 15 against Western Carolina on March 8, while its 13 runs were the most since hanging a season-high 27 on Eastern Michigan on Feb. 18.

Mizzou gained an advantage early, deploying an offensive barrage in the bottom of the second as they tallied three consecutive doubles. Robbie Glendenning (Scarborough, Australia) doubled into right and was knocked in for the game’s first run on a Misner two-bagger. Brett Bond (St. Louis, Mo.) then laced another double down the left field line to give Mizzou a 2-0 advantage. Two batters later, Brumfield smashed a RBI single up the middle to extend the lead.

Mizzou shortstop Chris Cornelius (St. Louis, Mo.) made a dazzling backhand play in the top of the fourth on a hard-hit groundball in the hole on the left side. The highlight was completed with a pick at first base by Brian Sharp (Liberty, Mo.).

In the bottom of the fourth, Mizzou stretched its lead to four as Brumfield knocked in Misner on a two-out single into right. The base knock made Brumfield 3-for-3 on the evening, which moved him into the team lead for three-hit games. It was his third three-hit performance this season and his team-leading 12th multi-hit game.

Mizzou broke the game open in the fifth as they put a five spot on the Lions. The frame was highlighted by a Misner three-run triple over the head of the UAPB centerfielder. Misner tallied four RBI in the game, his season-high. After five Mizzou led 9-0.

In the top of the sixth, Toelken lost his no-hit bid on the 20th batter he faced. UAPB’s Aderly Perez doubled down the left field line and later scored on a base hit. Nonetheless, Toelken continued to dominate as he pitched the full nine innings, the longest start of his career.

Mizzou added to its’ lead as they notched a run in the seventh and three in the eighth on a three-run bomb by junior right fielder Trey Harris (Powder Springs, Ga.). Harris now has a team-leading seven home runs and also sits at seventh place in the SEC. That gave Mizzou its 13 runs as it claimed the 13-1 decision.

Mizzou and UAPB will wrap up their two-game series Wednesday at 4 p.m.

— Mizzou Athletics —

ATLANTA, Ga. – The Mizzou Baseball team closed out a conference road series win in big fashion Saturday with a 6-1 win over Georgia playing at the brand new SunTrust Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. The Tigers got a career pitching performance from junior RHP Bryce Montes De Oca (Lawrence, Kan.), who went a career-high 6.0 innings and allowed only two hits and one run as MU improved to 23-9 overall and 6-6 in Southeastern Conference play while the Bulldogs fell to 14-19 and 4-8. Montes De Oca struck out six Georgia batters on the day, and improved to 3-1 on the season, with the only run scoring on a second-inning sacrifice fly. Freshman LHP T.J. Sikkema earned his fourth save of the season by throwing three scoreless innings in relief, allowing just two hits and striking out three.

Montes De Oca was supported by an eight-hit attack from the Tiger offense as Mizzou scored three runs in the fourth inning and three more in the eighth to pull away in front of 33,025 fans, which marked the second-largest crowd to ever see a college baseball game.

Junior RF Trey Harris (Powder Springs, Ga.) continued his torrid weekend pace as he blasted a three-run home run into the left field bullpen with no outs in the top of the fourth inning to stake the Tigers to a 3-1 lead. Harris’ blast traveled some 375 feet and came after senior DH Kirby McGuire (Round Rock, Texas) and freshman LF Kameron Misner (Poplar Bluff, Mo.) started the inning with back-to-back walks off UGA starting pitcher Chase Adkins.

Mizzou got some big insurance in the top of the eighth to take a 6-1 lead with a three-run outburst, thanks to a two-run double by junior 3B Alex Samples (Bridgeport, Texas) and a one-run single by sophomore 1B Brian Sharp (Liberty, Mo.). Sharp’s single came first on a one-out safety to right that drove in Harris, who drew a four-pitch walk two hitters prior. Samples came up next and promptly two-hopped the left center field fence to score junior C Brett Bond (St. Louis, Mo.) and Sharp. Bond reached with a single after Harris’ base on balls.

Harris’ fourth-inning home run goes down as the first collegiate home run in SunTrust history, and was the second homer of the series for the Georgia native, after his two-run shot to right center at Foley Field in Athens in Mizzou’s 8-5 win Friday evening. The round-tripper was Harris’ sixth of the season and the third this week, and it improved him to 5-of-10 with two home runs and five runs batted in the series against Georgia. The Bulldogs had taken a 1-0 lead in their half of the second on a sacrifice fly off Montes De Oca. Harris also had an important hand in keeping the Bulldogs to just one run in the second, as he made a headlong diving catch that ended the inning on a sinking line drive with a runner on second base.

Montes De Oca worked out of a two-out jam in the Bulldog fourth after issuing a one-out walk and allowing a two-out single, but he recovered to induce an inning-ending fielder’s choice groundout to keep the Tigers on top by a 3-1 count.

Senior DH Kirby McGuire (Round Rock, Texas) had a pair of hits, and added a walk, a stolen base and a run in support of the Tiger pitchers, while Sharp went 2-for-3 with a run, an RBI and a walk.

The Tigers next return home for a six-game homestand, beginning Tuesday, April 11 vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 6:30 p.m. at Taylor Stadium/Simmons Field.

— Mizzou Athletics —

ATHENS, Ga. – The Mizzou Baseball team recaptured its winning ways Friday night as the Tigers used a five-run third inning and key pitching out of the bullpen by junior RHP Cole Bartlett (Williamsburg, Ind.) to defeat Georgia, 8-5 at Foley Field. A pair of two-run singles in the third by junior 3B Alex Samples (Bridgeport, Texas) and freshman SS Chris Cornelius (St. Louis, Mo.) were the key blows in the inning that put Mizzou ahead 7-1 at the time. The win evened the three-game series at one win apiece, and improved Mizzou to 22-9 overall and 5-6 in Southeastern Conference play, while the Bulldogs fell to 14-18 and 4-7. The victory also broke a seven-game losing streak that saw Mizzou drop five one-run ballgames during the stretch.

Mizzou’s pitchers scattered 14 hits, but stranded 14 Georgia baserunners on the evening. Bartlett (4-0) was very effective out of the ‘pen, and he received the win after going the final 4.1 innings in scoreless relief to close out the game. Bartlett entered in the bottom of the fifth with two on and two out and Mizzou leading 8-5, and he induced an inning-ending groundout to end the threat. He struck out three batters and allowed four hits on the night.

After being shut out for the first time this season last night, the Tiger offense wasted no time Friday, thanks to a two-run first-inning opposite field home run by junior RF and Georgia native Trey Harris (Powder Springs, Ga.). His fifth long ball of the season gave the Tigers a 2-0 lead and came two batters after senior CF Kirby McGuire (Round Rock, Texas) led off the game with a walk. The Bulldogs cut the Mizzou lead in half in the bottom of the frame, scoring a run on a double and two singles off sophomore LHP Michael Plassmeyer. Plassmeyer would pitch 3.2 innings and allow three runs on eight hits and four strikeouts with one walk in his no-decision.

The Tigers sent nine batters to the plate in the decisive third inning. Four singles and a pair of walks did the damage, including the two-run singles by Samples and Cornelius. Samples flared one down the right field line with one out to make it 5-1, and Cornelius followed later with a sharp two-out single up the middle for a 7-1 advantage. McGuire again was the catalyst of the rally, as he led off the inning with a perfect bunt single, and the Tigers would load the bases with no outs, after freshman LF Kameron Misner (Poplar Bluff, Mo.) singled and Harris walked. Freshman DH A.J. Lewis brought in the first run of the frame for the Tigers as he coaxed a bases-loaded walk to score McGuire, for his first career run batted in that made it 3-1 at the time.

Georgia again responded with a pair of runs on three hits and a walk to close to within 7-3. McGuire single-handedly extended Mizzou’s lead to 8-3 in the fourth inning, as he led off the frame being hit by a pitch. He promptly stole second base and then stole third, and he raced home when an errant throw from Georgia’s catcher trying to cut him down at third base bounced into left field.

Mizzou’s freshman sensation LHP T.J. Sikkema, named a mid-season first-team Rawlings All-American earlier this week, came on in relief in the bottom of the fourth to thwart a potential Georgia rally. Plassmeyer left with two on and two out in the fourth, and after Sikkema issued a walk to load the bases, he left them loaded when he struck out the UGA cleanup hitter to end the inning. Sikkema got into trouble in the fifth, allowing two runs (only one earned) on a walk, error and a pair of run-scoring singles that made it 8-5. But Bartlett put out the fire by getting an inning-ending groundout to preserve the lead.

The final game of the three-game set will take place at 1:30 p.m. (eastern) from brand new SunTrust Park in Atlanta, Ga.

— Mizzou Athletics —

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Men’s Basketball head coach Cuonzo Martin announced three additions to his staff on Friday in director of athletic performance for men’s basketball Nicodemus Christopher, director of player development Marco Harris and director of basketball operations Paul Rorvig. Christopher and Harris join Martin from his staff at California, while Rorvig returns for his third season in his respective role and fourth season overall at Mizzou.

“Putting together a staff that will help the Mizzou Basketball program be at its very best on and off the court is always the goal, and I believe Nicodemus, Marco and Paul help us achieve that,” Martin said. “Having the same vision and beliefs is important, but this group’s fresh outlook and their ability to bring new ideas to the table will benefit us now and as we continue to grow as a family.”

Christopher has worked alongside Martin for the past five seasons, joining Mizzou’s new leader at California for three seasons after working the previous two campaigns at Tennessee. For the Black & Gold, Christopher will oversee all athletic performance-related efforts for the Tigers’ basketball program, including strength & conditioning, individualized training and nutritional and dietary programs.

A native of San Diego, California, Christopher originally joined Martin after serving as speed and conditioning coordinator for Purdue for the 2011-12 season. Along with working with the Boilermakers’ men’s basketball program, Christopher also oversaw sports performance for Purdue’s softball and track & field squads.

Prior to his arrival in West Lafayette, Indiana, Christopher worked as a sports performance coach at the Michael Johnson Performance Center in Dallas, Texas. Most notably, he worked with professional athletes from the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL) and from FC Dallas of Major League Soccer (MLS).

A 2007 graduate of Baylor University with a Bachelor’s degree in health and human performance, Christopher earned a master’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis in biomechanics and anatomical kinesiology from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2010. Upon completing his education, Christopher interned as a strength coach at Stanford in 2010. Christopher is married to the former Fallon Smith, a native of San Jose, California.

Harris served as director of operations for the Golden Bears during Martin’s tenure (2014-17), also working in the same role for Martin at Tennessee (2011-14). Harris’ close relationship with Mizzou’s head coach dates back to their youth more than 30 years ago growing up together in East St. Louis, Illinois.

At Mizzou, Harris will have oversight of the program’s many initiatives to enhance the student-athlete experience within the basketball program. Harris will work on projects to grow campus and community involvement, while also fostering success in the classroom and off the court.

During Harris’ first two seasons at Tennessee (2011-13), he served as the Volunteers’ student-athlete welfare coordinator. In that role, he aided the program’s student-athletes in high achievement on the court, in the classroom and in the community.

Prior to coming to the collegiate ranks, Harris enjoyed success as a high school coach and entrepreneur. Harris’ Booker T. Washington High School squad out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, posted a perfect 21-0 record and claimed a state championship in 2011. In addition, Harris has owned and operated several businesses and has served in athletic administrative positions throughout his professional career.

A former student-athlete in his own right, Harris began on the diamond as a baseball player at Southern Illinois. After transferring to Southwestern Oklahoma State (1992-94), Harris worked his way to the starting point guard spot and team captaincy.

Harris earned an associate’s degree in business management from Southwestern Illinois College in 1992 before receiving a Bachelor’s degree in business management from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 1994. He is married to the former Ramona Knight, of Frogville, Oklahoma.

Rorvig continues in his role as director of basketball operations for the third season and his fourth overall at Mizzou. Formerly an associate director at the NCAA Eligibility Center (2010-14), Rorvig began his tenure at Mizzou as director of student-athlete development for the basketball program in 2014-15, focusing on academics and compliance, while also assisting with the team’s video operations.

The Odessa, Missouri, native brings a ­unique blend of basketball experience and administrative knowledge to Martin’s program. While in Indianapolis, he helped manage the high school review process, assisted in educational outreach efforts for the national office and conducted reviews for high schools exhibiting academic irregularities.

A two-time graduate of Central Missouri, Rorvig played for the Mules from 2002-05 and earned an undergraduate degree in social studies education in 2005, followed by a Master’s degree in secondary school administration in 2007. As a standout at Odessa High School, he claimed school records for career points (1,877), three-point percentage (.392) and blocked shots (172). His 355 career three-point field goals made ranks No. 1 all-time in Missouri state history.

Rorvig is married to the former Jena Shackelford. Both played basketball at Central Missouri. Jena is the all-time leading three-point shooter in school history. The Rorvigs welcomed twin boys to their family in March 2016, Jameson and Camden.

— Mizzou Athletics —

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Men’s Basketball head coach Cuonzo Martin announced additions to his coaching staff on Wednesday with more than 30 years of Division I coaching experience represented between the trio of new Tiger assistant coaches.

Chris Hollender, Cornell Mann and Michael Porter, Sr., have been selected by Martin to assist him in coaching the Black & Gold, starting with the 2017-18 season. Hollender, most recently in the same role at UMKC, spent three seasons coaching in the Southeastern Conference at Mississippi State from 2012-15. Previously at Iowa State from 2011-15, Mann was on staff at Oakland for the 2016-17 campaign. A familiar face to Mizzou Athletics, Porter spent the 2016-17 season coaching at Washington.

“It’s exciting to get this staff officially announced, because it’s time to get to work,” Martin said. “Each of these coaches help us get better from a basketball standpoint, on the recruiting trail and as a family. I’m looking forward to our Mizzou fans getting to know these three outstanding coaches. All three of them have unique coaching backgrounds, teachings, life lessons and upbringings that will form a balanced staff for our Mizzou Basketball program. Chris, Cornell and Mike each bring energy and passion for basketball, but most importantly, they will be incredible mentors to our student-athletes.”

Hollender brings strong Midwest ties and SEC experience to Martin’s staff, as the Mattoon, Illinois, native starred as a player at Evansville before embarking on his coaching career that landed him stops at Army (2002-09), his alma mater (2009-12), Mississippi State (2012-15) and UMKC (2015-17). At UMKC this past season, the Roos recorded the second-most wins (18) in school history.

During Hollender’s tenures at Army, Evansville, Mississippi State and UMKC, each basketball program saw a significant improvement in performance on the court and on the recruiting trail. The 2006-07 Black Knights improved by an astounding 10 wins to a 15-16 record. Hollender’s final class he helped recruit to Evansville went on to claim 84 victories over their career. At Mississippi State, Hollender’s work included developing All-SEC forward Gavin Ware, who became one of only seven players in MSU history to score at least 1,000 points and grab 800 or more rebounds.

Hollender was an all-conference player for the Purple Aces in 1998 before turning professional, enjoying a stint in Europe with Bremerhaven of Germany. He then returned to the United States to play in the CBA from 1999-2002 before beginning his coaching career.

Hollender earned a degree in marketing from Evansville in 1998. He and his wife, Kathryn, have a son, Jackson, and twin daughters, Madeline and Elyse.

Mann was part of an outstanding run of success at Iowa State from 2011-15, with his tenure coinciding with four consecutive NCAA Tournament selections. The Royal Oak Township, Michigan, native recruited and tutored one of the top point guards in college basketball in Flint, Michigan, native Monte Morris, who finished his ISU career with the best assist-to-turnover ratio in NCAA history (4.65-1).

Bringing NCAA Tournament coaching experience to Martin’s staff from four different basketball programs, Mann was on staff at Dayton (2008-11) for three-straight postseason berths. In his first season with the Flyers, Mann helped coach Dayton to the second-most wins in school history (27) and a second round NCAA Tournament appearance.

Prior to Dayton, Mann served stints on coaching staffs at Western Michigan (2003-08) and Central Michigan (2001-03), with the Broncos making a Big Dance appearance in 2004 and the Chippewas advancing to the tournament in 2003, respectively.

Mann earned a degree in family development from Akron in 1995, playing his final three seasons of eligibility for the Zips after starting his collegiate career at Colorado. Mann has two children, a daughter, Cyncere, and a son, Maliq.

No stranger to Columbia and Mizzou Arena, Porter rejoins the Mizzou family after an assistant coaching stop at Washington for the 2016-17 season. Experienced on the recruiting trail and well-versed on the travel ball circuit, Porter spent the previous six years before coaching the Huskies on Robin Pingeton’s women’s basketball coaching staff, serving his last three seasons as an assistant coach.

Under Porter’s watch, the Tigers improved their win total each season, culminating in the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2000-01 season in his final campaign on staff in 2015-16. The Black & Gold also benefited from Porter’s previous three seasons as Mizzou’s Director of Operations (2011-13), as practices and individual workouts were organized and structured by Porter.

A major part of Porter’s basketball experience comes from service to others. Porter served as head coach of Upward Basketball from 2003-06. With the Upward Sports league, Porter worked with young athletes to not only develop basketball skills, but also skills needed to build stronger character and confidence. Porter also played professionally for five seasons with Athletes in Action (AIA), competing around the country and world and spreading spiritual guidance.

Porter graduated from the University of New Orleans in 1989, where he was a four-year member of the basketball team. He and his wife, Lisa, have eight children, Bri, Cierra, Michael, Jr., Jontay, Coban, Jevon, Izaak and Jayda. Bri and Cierra are teammates on the Mizzou women’s basketball team.

All hires are official pending the completion of the University hiring process.

— Mizzou Athletics —