Russell Woods, Jakeenan Gant Reinstated by Missouri: Latest Details, Reaction

Missouri head coach Kim Anderson reinstated sophomore forward Jakeenan Gant and junior forward Russell Woods ahead of Wednesday night's game against Vanderbilt. The Columbia Daily Tribune's Steve Walentik reported both players traveled with the team and will be available to play in the Tigers' matchup with the Commodores in Nashville, Tennessee.

Anderson originally suspended both players following their arrests on Feb. 4 on possession of drug paraphernalia. They missed Missouri's 80-71 loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide two days later.  

According to Tod Palmer of the Kansas City Star, police in Columbia, Missouri, searched the home in which Gant and Woods reside on Jan. 15 as part of a home robbery investigation. The authorities found four "marijuana smoking devices," two in each of the players' bedrooms. 

Sam Mellinger, one of Palmer's colleagues at the Star, didn't find the indiscretions to be too egregious:

"We are trying to do a better job of teaching our guys and encouraging our guys to do the right thing," said Anderson on Monday, per Palmer. "There's got to be some accountability, and when there's not, there's got to be consequences. It will continue to be that way."

Gant and Woods have each appeared in 22 games this year. The former is averaging 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds a night, while the latter is chipping in 3.5 points and three rebounds of his own a game.

Missouri has lost nine of its last 10 games, which—barring a miracle—all but eliminates the Tigers from postseason contention.

At least Anderson will have a little more depth on his bench with Gant and Woods back on the team.