Jack Andersen
With Missouri basketball guards Tamar Bates, Caleb Grill and Tony Perkins all graduated, head coach Dennis Gates was in need of replacements for the upcoming season. Missouri may have not pulled in the biggest of names in the transfer portal, but all signs point to junior Sebastian Mack being a key contributor for the Tigers this upcoming season.
Mack spent his freshman and sophomore seasons as part of the UCLA Bruins, where he carved out solid role. Across his two seasons at UCLA, Mack played in 67 games, starting in 31 of them. Mack averaged 10.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He shot 40.4% from the field, 29.6% from 3-point range and 73.4% from the free throw line. Mack did see a decreased role in his sophomore season, likely factoring into his decision to transfer.
Prior to his time at UCLA, Mack played high school ball at Coronado High School in Henderson, Nevada. As a senior, he averaged 24 points, 6 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. He was regarded as a composite top 60 recruit in the country and a top-10 shooting guard in his recruiting class. Mack held 12 total offers and chose UCLA over schools such as Oklahoma, Florida State and Texas A&M.
An accurate depiction of Mack as a player is a “swiss army knife.” He may not be the most decorated scorer or creator, but the 6-foot-3 guard can be put in nearly any lineup or situation and find success. Despite his lack of 3-point shooting prowess, Mack still finds ways to impact the game offensively. The junior has a lightning-quick first step which he uses to blow past his man and put pressure on the rim. Mack complements that pressure with a smooth floater and soft touch around the basket. Along with that, he possesses some solid ball-handling and playmaking chops, allowing him to fit comfortably next to guard Anthony Robinson II as a secondary ball-handler.
While his offense is enticing, Mack shines the brightest on defense. His quick hands and feet allow him to pose a threat to opposing ball handlers. Mack pairs those physical tools with some phenomenal instincts, allowing him to shoot gaps and get his hands on the ball constantly. Mack’s defensive intensity will pair smoothly alongside Robinson II and Aaron Rowe.
Mack’s ability to fit into a variety of lineups and situations will allow Gates to play around with how he uses him. It’s difficult to project an exact role for Mack next season, but his versatility projects him as an impact player for the Tigers next season.
Edited by Killian Wright | [email protected]
Copy edited by Alana Sheba and Emma Harper | [email protected]
Edited by Alex Gribb | [email protected]