It's Safe To Say That The Border Showdown Belongs To Two Freshmen

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Courier Journal Photo

The Border Showdown has been one of the most interesting rivalries in the Big 12. With Missouri and Kansas, it dates back to 1907.

Every since then, these two schools remained competitive with one another.

In 1972, Kansas had one of those seasons they wanted to forget. However, once they met Missouri, they seemed energized.

Kansas great, Bud Stallworth gave Allen Field house a reason to relive the season. He scored 50 points on Missouri in a 13-point victory.

In 2009, Kansas came out firing on Missouri. The game seemed to be over at the half. It was 30-16.

However, Missouri came out the half and gave it to the Jayhawks. With about a second left on the clock; Zaire Taylor hit a game-winner to sink the Jayhawks at the buzzer.

Now last season, the Border Showdown wasn’t competitive at all. The Jayhawks collectively, took it to the Tigers in both games. The Jayhawks acquired (84-65) and (77-56) victories.

But heading into next season, the Jayhawks and Tigers rivalry will intensify.

With Cole Aldrich, Sherron Collins and Xavier Henry, all off to their NBA careers, the Jayhawks are left without their top three contributors.

However, Missouri is in a similar situation. JT Tiller, Keith Ramsey and Zaire Taylor all graduated.

Meaning the Tigers and Jayhawks will have to flex their muscles with the talented freshman they acquired this off-season.

The Jayhawks pulled in two blue-chip recruits. Josh Selby was considered to be the best point guard in the 2010 class. To some, he is considered the best scorer. Nevertheless, Selby is an explosive guard that will enlighten the Jayhawks roster.

The Missouri Tiger pulled in the best recruiting class in the Big 12. There freshman Tony Mitchell will be a big-time player in the post. Not to mention, small Phil Pressey will be huge for the Tigers.

This all set up a great battle among the top teams in the Big 12. With their freshman leading the pack, the Tigers are looking to beat the Jayhawks for the first time since their Elite Eight run in 2008.

On the other hand, Woolridge and Selby are looking to maintain the success over the Tigers.

The Jayhawks leads the series with a (169-94) advantage. During the last decade, nothing changed. The Jayhawks came away with a (24-6) record over Missouri.

So, the Tigers are definitely the team with so much to prove. The Tigers haven’t defeated the Jayhawks at home since 08’ and in Lawrence since 99’.

Despite the numbers, I presume the Border Showdown will be interesting, regardless. 

(This is all assuming that Tony Mitchell will be eligible)