Averaging 18.3 points per contest, the second highest in the Southeastern Conference, former Tigers forward Bri Kulas was an offensive powerhouse. She started in nearly every game and consistently led Missouri in points last season, earning her spot as one of the most potent offensive threats in the SEC.

But Kulas is an ocean away now, trying out several different European leagues after graduating, and Missouri women’s basketball now has a gap to fill.

“That’s a lot of points on the board that we lost from a year ago,” coach Robin Pingeton said. “But I also think we have kids that have matured over the off-season and improved in their skill work, and I think we can score in a variety of ways. I don’t think you’ll see that one kid who’s going to average 18 points a game for us — it’s going to be a lot more evenly spread.”

Without a player like Kulas, Pingeton said she is pushing for more of “an inside-out team and being aware of our shot selection.”

Pingeton said that according to the shot chart from practices, the team is scoring more inside the three-point line than outside of it. Compared to last year, when the Tigers led the SEC in three-point completions, Pingeton said Mizzou’s offense will be more balanced this year.

“We’ve talked about (our inside game) a lot with our perimeter players,” Pingeton said. “Just because you’re open doesn’t mean it’s a good shot. You need to make sure you’re in rhythm and you feel comfortable and to make sure it’s your ‘yes’ shot.”

Senior guard Morgan Eye, who has a chance to break the women’s basketball Division I record for career three pointers made, said she will be able to draw defenses out of the paint this season, setting up drives to the basket.

Regarding the offensive presence Kulas had, senior guard Bree Fowler said she feels like the Tiger newcomers — [freshman guard Carrie Shephard](https://www.themaneater.com/stories/2014/10/21/freshman-guard-hopes-raise-game/), junior guard Juanita Robinson and [freshman forward Bri Porter](https://www.themaneater.com/stories/2014/10/21/following-multiple-injuries-bri-porter-brings-skil/) — all have the capability to fill the gap Kulas left.

In addition to the newcomers, Pingeton said she has high hopes for the sophomores on the team, forwards Kayla McDowell and Jordan Frericks and guard Sierra Michaelis.

Pingeton said they seem more “confident and comfortable, which is pretty typical going into your sophomore year versus being thrown out there as freshmen.

“I have seen a ton of growth in that class and it’s been really exciting to see both Kayla and Jordan get stronger, more physical and more explosive,” Pingeton said. “Sierra Michaelis also has a better understanding of what we’re looking for in our offensive system while continuing to challenge herself on the defensive end. We don’t have as many kids comfortable as her making plays off the bounce. She’s a kid who can score points in a variety of ways and I’ve been really pleased with (all of their) growth.”

Fowler said the team has grown and Missouri has a high collective basketball IQ. She said she believes the team’s variety of offensive talents will bring them points.

“Everyone brings a different piece offensively,” Fowler said. “Basketball is a big puzzle, and I think we all have the pieces to make it work.”