Bowers breaks down Mizzou transfers

Kim English said that this year's Missouri team was going to cut down the nets in Atlanta come April despite the loss of four starters - himself included.

We all know about pass-first, jet-quick point guard Phil Pressey, and fellow guard Michael Dixon. We also know about UConn transfer Alex Oriakhi -- who will be eligible to play for Frank Haith immediately for his final season.

But we don't know much about the guys who sat out last season.

Laurence Bowers, who is rehabbing from a torn ACL that forced him to sit and watch a year ago, gave us a quick scouting report on three potential difference-makers in Columbia.

Keion Bell, 6-3, 200, G, Sr., transferred from Pepperdine

Stats: Averaged 16.4 points in three seasons at Pepperdine -- and 18.9 as a junior.

"He's very athletic, very wiry. He's got great body control and can shift in the air. He competes and reminds me of (Marcus) Denmon in a sense of how tough he is. If we need him to play some point guard, he can. He played the point on the scout team last year, but he's more comfortable at the two. He'll be the most athletic guy on our team."

Jabari Brown, 6-5, 200, G, Soph., transferred from Oregon

Stats: Left Eugene after just two games -- and averaged 6.0 points in 25.5 minutes per contest for the Ducks.

"He's an excellent shooter and is sneaky athletic. He's not going to wow you with his athleticism, but he's a high IQ guy -- a very smart player. He's mature for his age, he's to himself. I think he'll be a huge asset to the team when he is eligible in December. His first game will be against Illinois. … He's so smooth, so talented and is even-keel."

Earnest Ross, 6-5, 222, G, Jr., transferred from Auburn

Stats: Averaged 13.1 points and 6.5 rebounds as a sophomore with the Tigers and made 17-of-35 3-pointers over his final eight games.

"He reminds me of Ron Artest. He's tough and has the same type of body. 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds with broad shoulders. He can shoot it and is aggressive going to the rim. That's his biggest asset. He comes from the SEC and knows what it's like in the league. He's very physical and is a really good rebounding guard."