Posted: Nov 14, 2012 7:12 PM
Updated: Nov 14, 2012 10:02 PM
COLUMBIA -- Mizzou Head Coach Frank Haith announced the signing of a nationally-ranked recruiting class on Wednesday as Wes Clark, Torren Jones and Johnathan Williams III, signed national letters of intent to play for the Tigers next season.
Haith's second year of recruiting paid impressive dividends as the class is ranked among the Top 20 nationally by ESPN and features three players ranked among the Top 70 in America by various recruiting publications.
"We filled three important needs for the future and are bringing in the high-caliber young men that our staff and Missouri fans have come to expect," Haith said. "These young guys are high-character, high-motor players. They come from strong families and great programs and they expect to win. Athleticism was a big key for us, especially with our move to the Southeastern Conference. Johnathan (Williams) and Torren (Jones) are active bigs and can really change ends of the floor in a hurry. Wes is a talented point guard that can push the ball and create. I really like the makeup of this class.
"I also want to note the great work of our staff," Haith continued. "Tim (Fuller), Dave (Leitao) and Rick (Carter) are second-to-none with their evaluations and preparation. Our staff puts in countless hours during the recruiting process and I would be remiss if I didn't recognize their efforts."
Johnathan Williams, III (6-9, 210, Memphis, Tenn. / Southwind H.S.)
Frank Haith said, "Johnathan is so versatile on the floor and has a number of ways he can impact a basketball game. His size and skillset are unique and he can present mismatch problems for opponents. He is smooth on the perimeter and is long and active and really has a great feel for how to attack his opponent and keep his teammates involved. Off the court Johnathan is just such a complete young man. He comes from a tremendous family and has a great sense of what it takes to be a leader on the court, in the classroom and amongst his teammates."
Torren Jones (6-8, 215, Chandler, Ariz. / La Lumiere School (Ind.))
Frank Haith said, "We are really excited to have Torren join our program and he will play this season at one of the top prep programs in the country. Torren is another high-quality young man and we feel like he has a very bright future at Mizzou. He is athletic and has a college-ready body. He's not afraid to mix it up in the post and attacks the rim on both sides of the floor. He is a guy that doesn't need to dominate the basketball to make an impact. He runs the floor extremely well and can score in transition or with his back to the basket. Defensively his strength and energy are big assets and allow him to play at a high level."
Wes Clark (6-0, 175, Romulus, Mich. / Romulus H.S.)
Frank Haith said, "Wes is the ultimate competitor. He is one of those point guards that won't give you an inch. He is all about winning and did it at a high level in a very good basketball state, Michigan. Wes was one of the country's fastest-rising players at the point guard position with his play over the summer. He has very good burst off the dribble and has the ability to break people down or create for his teammates.
Obviously the Detroit area has been very good to Mizzou over the years and our fans will really enjoy watching the mental and physical toughness Wes brings to our program."
The Mizzou Basketball staff will remain active for the 2013 spring signing period. That period opens April 17, 2013.