Missouri adds needed point guard help in Xavier Pinson

As much as anything, Missouri and Cuonzo Martin needed to add a point guard to their haul from the class of 2018. They hope to have found their man in Xavier Pinson.

The 6-foot-2 senior at Chicago (Ill.) Simeon confirmed to Rivals.com Monday night that he's headed to play his college ball in Columbia.

"I'm picking Mizzou ," said Pinson who visited the Tigers over the weekend. "It's because of the coaches there. They are cut from the same cloth as me."

Point guard wasn't expected to be a critical need for the Tigers in 2018. But, the midseason transfers of freshmen Blake Harris (N.C. State) and C.J. Roberts (Texas Tech) -- both former Rivals150 prospects -- changed that.

A big time athlete with length and an explosive first step, Pinson was initially committed to Kent State but saw his recruiting profile increase during a big senior season at Simeon.

"I took what the critics said and used it as motivation," said Pinson. "I've improved my athleticism and my basketball IQ. I'm working on my defense and my jump shot.

"I think I can come right in and play and I'm going to help with getting others involved."

A three-star prospect, Pinson does need to add strength but he's got big upside thanks to his quickness, body control and ability to make plays for himself and others off the dribble. He joins a Tigers recruiting class that already includes four-star shooting guard Torrence Watson and three-star wings Javon Pickett and K.J. Santos.