Four-star forward Aidan Shaw commits to Missouri basketball

Jake Durbin

September 20, 2021

Graphic courtesy of MSP Visuals

One of Missouri men’s basketball’s premier targets, four-star forward Aidan Shaw, announced Friday he would come to Columbia and play for the Tigers.

Shaw unveiled his destination in front of a national TV audience on his birthday, choosing Missouri over Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma State, Maryland and Arkansas. The Stillwell, Kansas native is nationally ranked as the No. 53 player in the class of 2022, and is currently the No. 3 player in the state of Kansas, according to 247Sports.

After initially opting to leave his high school to attend Link Year Prep in Branson, Missouri, Shaw decided against the move and will play his senior season at Blue Valley High School in Stilwell. During his junior year at BVHS, Shaw posted averages of 19.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game.

Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 190 lbs, Shaw is a force on both sides, with elite mobility and athleticism. These physical attributes help him dominate defensively, developing into a true lockdown both on and off the ball. His ball-handling ability is above average for his size, allowing him to create his own shot from both midrange and the perimeter.

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Additionally, Shaw has developed a solid jumper, using his tall frame to score over smaller defenders from a distance. However, the premier tool of his game may in fact be his leaping ability. Shaw excels at both attacking the rim on offense and protecting it on the defense.

Shaw took his official visit to Columbia over the summer, and the Tigers remained strong contenders to land the small forward. No clear frontrunner emerged after the senior cut his college list to six programs in July 2021. Shaw cited the school’s strong connection to his family, and the relationship built with staff starting his freshman year as the primary factors in his decision.

A commitment from Shaw helps kickstart head coach Cuonzo Martin’s 2022 recruiting class and gives the Tigers some additional depth at the forward position next year. The Tigers are also heavily pursuing five-star forward Mark Mitchell, who could see Missouri as a more attractive option after Shaw’s announcement.