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Category: College

NCAA grants waiver for Missouri’s Mark Smith to play immediately

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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou sophomore guard Mark Smith (Edwardsville, Ill.) received a waiver from the NCAA on Friday (Oct. 26) granting him immediate eligibility, head coach Cuonzo Martin announced.

Smith has three years of eligibility remaining after playing his freshman campaign at Illinois.

Smith made 19 starts in 31 game appearances, scoring 179 points while averaging 1.4 assists per game as a freshman. He shot 79.6 percent from the free throw line and reached double figures six times.

Smith averaged 21.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 8.4 assists and 2.1 steals as a high school senior, earning 2017 Illinois Mr. Basketball and Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year honors. He captained Edwardsville High School to a 30-2 record, reaching double figures 30 times and racking up eight 30-point games.

He received 2017 Illinois First-Team All-State recognition from the Associated Press, Chicago Tribune, Champaign News-Gazette and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. Smith poured in a career-high 45 points in the IHSA Class 4A Sectional Championship game.

— Mizzou Athletics —

No. 1 Kansas defeats Emporia State 93-55 in exhibition opener

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LAWRENCE, Kan. – Redshirt junior transfer Dedric Lawson made his Kansas debut one to remember as the Jayhawks opened exhibition play against Emporia State Thursday night, defeating the Hornets, 93-55, inside Allen Fieldhouse. Lawson led all scorers with a 31-point, 15-rebound effort as KU opened up its exhibition campaign.

It was an impressive effort from the opening jump as Lawson scored the first 10 points for the Jayhawks, hitting on his first 3-point shot three minutes into the game. The Memphis native was just getting started as he also recorded a double-double before the first half ended with 14 points and 12 rebounds in the opening stanza.

The Jayhawk defense was stifling, as KU held the Hornets to an 8-for-38 shooting mark in the first half. KU also used a 13-0 run to build the halftime lead, thanks in part to the quick hands of Quentin Grimes, who blocked a shot which led to a layup on the other end for the true freshman. The Jayhawks ended the half on a good note as redshirt sophomore Charlie Moore hit three 3-pointers of his own, hitting on one with a minute remaining.

Kansas stretched its lead in the second half with a pair of 3-pointers from Lagerald Vick and K.J. Lawson to increase the lead to 56-31 with 12 minutes left.

Junior Udoka Azubuike brought the crowd to their feet with the only dunk of the game: a two-handed, rim-rattling dunk over an Emporia State for his first point which charged up the Jayhawk offense. Dedric Lawson and David McCormack added layups before Emporia State kicked into gear.

With five minutes remaining, Dedric Lawson hit his second 3-pointer of the night with Grimes adding one himself. Freshman Ochai Agbaji hit two consecutive 3-pointers to close out the game, extending the lead to 38 and locking down the victory.

Dedric Lawson led all scorers with 31 points and 15 rebounds, shooting an explosive 68 percent from the field. Grimes added 10 points with Dotson pouring in eight. Vick and K.J. Lawson both scored seven apiece, with Vick dishing out five assists on the night.

— KU Athletics —

Missouri’s Drew Lock named a finalist for two major awards

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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou senior QB Drew Lock (Lee’s Summit, Mo.) is a finalist for two major college football awards, announced Wednesday. First, Lock appeared as one of 15 finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which goes to the nation’s top quarterback. Lock also appeared as one of 10 finalists for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award, given to the FBS player who has the most notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.

Lock is one of 15 finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Below are the finalists:

  • Jake Browning, Washington
  • Eric Dungey, Syracuse
  • Ryan Finley, NC State
  • Will Grier, West Virginia
  • Justin Herbert, Oregon
  • Drew Lock, Missouri
  • Trace McSorley, Penn State
  • McKenzie Milton, UCF
  • Gardner Minshew, Washington State
  • Steven Montez, Colorado
  • Shea Patterson, Michigan
  • Brett Rypien, Boise State
  • Jordan Ta’amu, Ole Miss
  • Clayton Thorson, Northwestern
  • Brady White, Memphis

For the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award, which is one of the nation’s most prestigious awards, Lock is one of 10 finalists. An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

The finalists were chosen by a selection committee from the list of 30 candidates announced earlier in the season. Nationwide fan voting begins immediately to help select the winner, and fans are encouraged to vote on the Senior CLASS Award website through December 5. Fan votes will be combined with media and Division I head coaches’ votes to determine the winner. The Senior CLASS Award winner will be announced during the football bowl season in early January.

For more information on all the finalists, visit seniorCLASSaward.com.

Mizzou Football returns home Saturday to host No. 12/14 Kentucky in an SEC East showdown. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. on ESPN 1550.

— Mizzou Athletics —

Jayhawks release statement from KU Chancellor and Director of Athletics

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Dear Jayhawk Community,

During the past three weeks in a federal courtroom in New York City, the University of Kansas and our men’s basketball program have been the subjects of testimony and speculation during the trial of three defendants accused of defrauding three universities, including KU. The trial concluded today with jury verdicts of guilty on all counts of conspiracy and wire fraud.

First, we want to remind you of developments that predate this trial. In fall 2017, amid concerns about student-athlete recruitment, the NCAA instructed each Division I institution to conduct a review of its men’s basketball program to ensure compliance with NCAA rules. KU took the issue seriously and engaged outside counsel to assist our review. At the same time, KU has been working with prosecutors, including fulfilling all obligations of subpoenas issued to us.

During the trial, information was presented regarding a former KU student-athlete, a current KU student-athlete, and KU men’s basketball coaches. Some of the information we were aware of, and some is new to us. The new information needs to be evaluated and understood. We have already been in contact with the NCAA regarding trial developments and will continue to work with NCAA staff moving forward.

Two additional federal trials are set for February and April 2019. Thus, we remain unable to fully comment on the issues before us. By limiting our comments, we are able to protect the integrity of the federal matters and the work of the NCAA.
While that work continues, we remain fully supportive of our student-athletes, our coaches and our men’s basketball program. Coach Self and Kansas Athletics are committed to maintaining a culture of compliance, and we will continue these efforts. Kansas Athletics has been, and will continue to be, committed to excellence and integrity.

So, what now? First, we will await guidance from prosecutors as to next steps regarding the criminal matter. Second, once the Justice Department clears us to move forward, we will work with the NCAA to vigorously review new information presented during the trial. Third, we will continue to review the eligibility of all our student-athletes to ensure that they meet the eligibility standards of the NCAA and KU.

Finally, while we have made no decision regarding a long-term contract extension with our apparel partner, adidas, we continue to evaluate our options. There is no timetable for a decision. A strong apparel partnership is important and beneficial to all our student-athletes and our institution, and we will take great care in making the right decision for KU.

We look forward to updating you on these matters when it is appropriate to do so. In the meantime, as our men’s and women’s basketball seasons approach, we encourage you to continue to support the incredible young men and women in our programs.

Respectfully,

Douglas A. Girod
Chancellor

Jeffrey P. Long
Director of Athletics

— KU Athletics —

Tigers’ Cunningham named to Cheryl Miller Award watch list

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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Women’s Basketball senior guard Sophie Cunningham (Columbia, Mo.) has been named to the watch list for the 2019 Cheryl Miller Award, as announced by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association on Wednesday. The annual award is in its second year and recognizes the top small forwards in women’s NCAA Division I college basketball.

Cunningham, a finalist for last year’s award, was one of 20 candidates named to this season’s watch list. She is the only remaining member of last year’s five finalists.

A national committee of top women’s college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers will narrow the watch list candidates down to 10 and then five finalists by March. From there, fans will then have the chance to vote for their favorite finalist as the winner will be revealed during the Final Four weekend in Tampa, Florida.

Last season, Cunningham averaged 18.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in her junior campaign, and was the only player in the nation to shoot better than 54 percent from the field (54.2 percent, 186-for-343), 45 percent from three (45.7 percent, 69-for-151) and 83 percent from the free throw line (83.6 percent, 133-for-159). She scored in double figures in 28 of 31 games she played in, and ranked fourth in the NCAA in three-point percentage as she earned AP All-America Honorable Mention and All-SEC First Team honors, each for the second consecutive season.

— Mizzou Athletics —

Big 12 & BIG EAST announce four-year men’s basketball scheduling series

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The Big 12 and BIG EAST Conferences announced the creation of a non-conference scheduling series for four seasons, beginning in 2019-20 and continuing through 2022-23. Ten games between the two leagues will be played each season during the month of December.

The yet unnamed series will be played in the local markets of the home teams. An equal number of games shall be played in each conference’s home market each year — five for the Big 12 and five for the BIG EAST. The home school will have the right to determine the venue of its game.

The broadcast rights of the games will be determined by the conference national television rights agreement of the home team. The Big 12 television rights are controlled by ESPN and the BIG EAST’s men’s basketball television rights are controlled by FOX Sports.

“The Big 12 looks forward to competing against the BIG EAST in this scheduling series. It will provide both conferences with high-quality intersectional matchups on an annual basis that will be of interest to basketball fans across the country,” said Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby.

“This full-participation series assures our schools of premier non-conference competition that will only add to the strength of our two conferences,” said BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman. “We look forward to working with the Big 12 to create an exciting new set of rivalries for our players, coaches and supporters across the country.”

The two conferences will collaborate to determine the matchups each year. All 10 schools from each conference will participate each year, and each team will play four times over the four seasons of the agreement.

Perennially two of the top conferences in the nation, the Big 12 had seven teams make the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship last March, with Kansas advancing to the Final Four. The BIG EAST placed six teams in the 2018 NCAA tournament, with Villanova winning the national championship for the second time in the last three years.

The Big 12 and the BIG EAST are already engaged in home-and-home matchups for the upcoming season due to some pre-existing agreements. The games are: Kansas State at Marquette on December 1, Villanova at Kansas on December 15, Creighton at Oklahoma on December 18, and Providence at Texas on December 21. Return dates in these matchups will be included in the 2019 series, the inaugural year of the arrangement. The complete slate for the first year will be announced in spring 2019.

— Big 12 Press Release —

Mizzou’s Lock earns Davey O’Brien Award Great 8 honor

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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Football senior QB Drew Lock (Lee’s Summit, Mo.) has been named to the Davey O’Brien Award Week 9 Great 8, announced Wednesday by the Davey O’Brien Award. Lock was one of eight quarterbacks to earn a spot on the list, which honors college football’s top quarterbacks each week.

Lock had another great performance last Saturday, guiding the Mizzou offense to 65 points and more than 600 total yards of offense. He completed 23-of-29 passes for 350 yards with a season-high four touchdowns and zero interceptions. His QB rating of 226.21 is the sixth-best mark in school history. Lock’s 350 yards vs. Memphis moved his career total to 10,674, now seventh-best in SEC history. He enters this week needing just 201 yards to catch Florida’s Danny Wuerffel for sixth place. Lock’s four TD passes last week give him 87 in his career and with one more, he will tie Florida’s Tim Tebow and Chris Leak for the fourth-most in SEC history. He needs just three TD passes to move ahead of Tennessee’s Peyton Manning for third in SEC history.

Among active FBS quarterbacks, Lock is third with his 10,674 career passing yards. Only Boise State’s Brett Rypien (12,042) and Washington’s Jake Browning (11,005) rank ahead of Lock. With 350 yards vs. Memphis, Lock now has 12 career 300-yard games, second in school history behind only Daniel (20). Lock registered his 11th career game with four or more TDs vs. Memphis – he has nine such games among his last 13. He now has 46 career TD passes of 20+ yards, the most in school history.

Mizzou Football returns home Saturday to host No. 12/14 Kentucky in an SEC East showdown. Kickoff is at 3 p.m. on ESPN 1550.

— Mizzou Athletics —

Kansas to withhold Silvio De Sousa

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LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas sophomore forward Silvio De Sousa will not participate in the Jayhawks’ exhibition game Thursday night vs. Emporia State and will be withheld from competition pending the outcome of an eligibility review.

“Information was presented during the current trial in New York – some of which we knew, some of which we didn’t,” said KU basketball coach Bill Self. “We have decided to withhold Silvio from competition until we can evaluate and understand the new information. We have already discussed trial developments with the NCAA and will continue to work with NCAA staff moving forward.”

De Sousa averaged 4 points and 3.7 rebounds in 20 games as a freshman last season. He joined KU in December 2017 after graduating in three-and-a-half years from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

— KU Athletics —

Big 12 selects Kansas City for future basketball championships

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The Big 12 Conference has selected Kansas City to serve as the host site for the Phillips 66 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships in a multi-year agreement that will run from 2021-24.

Kansas City was the initial host of both championships in the first six years of the Conference from 1997-2002, and again in 2005, 2008 and 2010-12. The men’s postseason event has continued its run in Kansas City since 2010 while the women’s championship will return in 2020.

“Kansas City has become synonymous with Big 12 basketball,” said Commissioner Bob Bowlsby. “The excitement around the men’s championship is contagious with the crowds inside Sprint Center and the surrounding Power & Light District. We look forward to bringing our men’s and women’s championships back together and continuing to build upon this atmosphere in Kansas City.”

“We couldn’t be more proud to have been selected to host the Big 12 Men’s & Women’s Basketball Championships from 2021 through 2024,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the Kansas City Sports Commission. “2020 will be the 11th-consecutive year that the men’s event has been held in Kansas City. To welcome the women back and host both championships concurrently is really special.”

The Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship played seven of its events in Kemper Arena before moving to the newly-opened Sprint Center in 2008. The men’s championship has been contested in Sprint Center annually since 2010 with crowds averaging near 18,000 each year.

“Being selected as the host venue for the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship is an honor for Sprint Center and an incredible source of pride for Kansas City,” said Brenda Tinnen, Sprint Center General Manager and Senior Vice President. “The Big 12 Basketball Championship demonstrates Sprint Center’s commitment to diverse sports and entertainment programming and the importance of signature events to the regional economy. Together with our partners from Visit KC, the City of Kansas City and the Kansas City Sports Commission, we look forward to rolling out the red carpet for basketball fans from throughout Big 12 country and across America.”

Municipal Auditorium has hosted the Phillips 66 Women’s Championship each year that it has been played in Kansas City and will continue to do so through the term of the new agreement. Since the Big 12 women last played in Municipal Auditorium, it has undergone $5 million in renovations to include new video boards, LED scorer’s table, sound system, lighting, electrical upgrades and lower level seating.

— Big 12 Press Release —

Missouri’s Okwuegbunam named Mackey Award TE of the Week

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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Football standout sophomore TE Albert Okwuegbunam (Springfield, Ill.) is the Mackey Award Tight End of the Week, announced Wednesday by the John Mackey Award. This marks the first time that he has earned this distinction in his career.

Last Saturday against Memphis, Okwuegbunam caught six passes for a career-high 159 yards and three touchdowns to help lead the way in Mizzou’s 65-33 win over Memphis which broke a three-game losing streak for the Tigers. His touchdowns came from 58 yards out, 47 yards out and 23 yards out, and they were all big momentum plays, as each one came following a Memphis score.

His first TD was arguably the biggest momentum play of the game, as he faked a run block and snuck past the crashing linebackers to get free down the seam for his 58-yard catch-and-run score with 8:47 left in the second quarter that gave Mizzou a 27-17 lead. Memphis had scored 17-straight points before that, but his score erased that momentum and was the first of three unanswered TDs by Mizzou that took the lead to 41-17.

His second score, from 47 yards out, came on a similar play with just 1:07 before halftime and it gave Mizzou a 48-20 lead which they would take into the locker room. His last score answered a Memphis TD in the third quarter and a 55-27 lead with 4:26 left in the quarter.

He is the first tight end in the nation with a three-touchdown day in 2018, and the big game was reminiscent of his freshman season when he had four multi-touchdown games, and led all Power Five tight ends with 11 touchdowns in 2017. Additionally, his 159-yard game is the most among tight ends for all FBS schools, through games of Oct. 20.

The three-TD performance gives Okwuegbunam five career games scoring multiple TDs, tying the most ever by a Mizzou TE. 2008 Mackey Award Winner Chase Coffman had five in his career as well, but did not record his fifth such game until his 51st career game as senior. Okwuegbunam has done it in just 20 games.

Through just 20 games, Okwuegbunam is already eighth on Mizzou’s career TD list with 16 in his 20 games as a Tiger.

— Mizzou Athletics —

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