Web Extra: Mizzou basketball begins first week of practice

The Mizzou basketball team began its first official week of practice Monday ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Head coach Cuonzo Martin said forward KJ Santos is out week-to-week with a foot injury. He added it is still to be determined when forward Mitchell Smith will rejoin the team. The team suspended Smith following a DWI arrest.

The team returns key players such as Jontay Porter, Jeremiah Tilmon and Kevin Puryear.

Porter said he enjoys the bigger role and leadership position he is in. Despite being one of the youngest players on the team, Porter said his experience from last season will help him. He added that he improved greatly after working out for pro teams during the spring before deciding to return to Mizzou. Cuonzo Martin called Porter a “program changer.”

Jeremiah Tilmon said he is working on reducing the number of fouls he gets. He said he often plays in practice as if he has three fouls. He also said he is working on his mid-range game and three-point shot.

The Tigers begin regular season action Nov. 6 against Central Arkansas.