Missouri Coach Mike Anderson Bolsters Recruiting Class Yet Again

COLUMBIA Mo. - University of Missouri Head Coach Mike Anderson had the 11th ranked recruiting class of 2010 according to ESPN.com. It was headlined by the #19 overall prospect in forward Tony Mitchell and the 45th in point guard Phil Pressey. Two transfers and a crucial recruiting visit later, and that has all changed.

Now, what originally what was a four man class with no available scholarships is a six man class featuring the most heralded Junior College prospect available in Ricardo Ratliffe. Ratliffe, attended Central Florida Community College the past two seasons averaged 27.4 points and 11.3 rebounds per game last year, and earned first team Division I junior college All-American honors for two straight years. Ricardo's facebook status on Sunday read "Sorry Alabama, Cincinnati, Arkansas, and Clemson, but I will be attending University of Missouri!!!!... Chea!!!"

But, Ratliffe wasn't the only one to announce he would don the black and gold next season. Matt Pressey, a transfer from Navarro Junior College is the older brother of current signee Phil Pressey. “He’s one of those guys that can wear many hats,” Navarro coach Johnny Estelle said. “For us, last year, he was a glue guy, very good complement guy, good defender. This year, he’s our go-to guy offensively. Matt is more of a 2 guard than his brother Phil, so expect to see the brothers on the court together.

All this definitely throws a wrench in the ESPN class rankings. This group could easily climb into the top 5 nationally.Both Pressey and Ratlffe have two years of eligibillity remaining.  But, one thing is for sure is this: Basketball season can't come soon enough for Tiger fans.