On Monday night, Missouri coasted to a 38-point romp over SIU-Edwardsville, an outcome that was — in statistical terms — secure……

Even without Robbie Avila, the Billikens found plenty of ways to keep their offense humming. Kennard Davis Jr. supplied some resistance, but Missouri’s size offered little protection against missed switches, blown assignments, poor transition defense.

The Tigers’ romp revealed little about its ceiling, but plenty about its potential division of labor. Mark Mitchell eased Jason Crowe’s creation burden, while Toni Bryant’s back-line protection made Bryson Tiller’s ball-screen defense more viable.

Dennis Gates added muscle to his frontline this offseason, but regression data proves adding backline height means nothing when your guards leave the front door unlocked.

At Western Carolina, one late step often forced teammates to scramble. Cleaning that up could decide how expansive Stansberry’s role might be in Columbia.

The Tigers could clearly use Crawford’s jumper. Whether he can consistently finish the defensive responsibilities created by screens will determine how much Dennis Gates can tap into it.

The Tennessee transfer has shown he can execute a defined defensive assignment. His swing skill is staying connected when the possession changes it.

The Tigers envision Davis blending pull-up shooting, connective passing and off-ball value. Whether that plan works depends on his ability to create separation, protect the ball and sustain advantages when defenders stay attached.

Jamier Jones thrived when Providence created clear advantages in transition, against closeouts and in ball screens. If he tightens his handle, processes help faster and chooses more wisely between finishing, passing and resetting, a sophomore breakout at Missouri is within reach.

The question isn’t whether the Kansas transfer possesses enticing tools. It’s whether he can muster the required assertiveness — and whether MU can place him in spots where touch, size and movement become reliable offense instead of scattered flashes.