Frank Haith continues to work wonders at Mizzou. He took Mike Anderson’s players to the 2012 Big 12 tournament title despite size issues on the front line, and now he’s given the Tigers a national championship ring as well.
Granted, that ring is on the finger of former UConn center Alex Oriakhi, but let’s not nitpick.
CBSSports.com’s Gary Parrish reported that Oriakhi will transfer to Missouri and play his final season of college ball in the SEC. An official press release from the University of Missouri has confirmed the news. Oriakhi’s on-court impact will be immediate, but you can bet his name will have an impact on the recruiting trail, as Haith prepares to build future contenders.
Oriakhi saw his offensive numbers fall off while playing next to Andre Drummond this season, after he contributed a crucial 9.6 points and 8.7 boards per game to UConn’s 2011 title team. At 6'9" and 240 lbs., he’ll provide a huge boost to a Missouri team that will be adjusting to the rigors of SEC play in the shadow of the Kentucky Wildcats.
