Following a historically poor season last year, Mizzou needed to be aggressive in recruiting to regain national relevancy. A key part of that effort was securing the commitment of incoming freshman Annor Boateng, Mizzou’s highest-rated player since Michael Porter Jr. in 2017, who committed last September.
Coming from Little Rock, Arkansas, Annor Boateng is a strong, spirited player ready to make an impact. The 2023 Arkansas Player of the Year plays with intensity on both ends of the court. He has great basketball IQ and understands every aspect of the game, a quality that his former high school coach, Brian Ross, emphasized after Boateng led his team to a 6A State Championship victory.
“He’s a really good defender, he rebounds, he blocks shots,” Ross said. “He does all the big and little things that help a team win.”
Boateng has been described as a ‘college-ready, two-way player’ since early in his high school career. His impressive ability to penetrate in the paint and score from all areas is highly encouraging, as he can continue to develop that skill, along with his outside shooting during his time at Mizzou.
Your first look at the newest Mizzou Tiger, Annor Boateng!#MIZ 🐯 @annor2024 pic.twitter.com/5xjszwtLNK
— Mizzou Hoops (@MizzouHoops) November 8, 2023
Boateng was a top-30 ranked recruit in his class and earned the 2022-2023 Gatorade Player of the Year award—an honor previously won by legends like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.
While all of that is extremely impressive, what is most encouraging for Mizzou is undoubtedly who Boateng is off the court. His character and leadership qualities make him a valuable addition beyond just his basketball skills.
Boateng maintained a GPA of over 3.7 in high school, a remarkable achievement for someone with the talent he possess. This demonstrates his dedication and passion for multiple aspects of life, something the Tiger coaching staff is sure to appreciate and value.
Additionally, Boateng has demonstrated outstanding leadership, further showcasing his strong character. He led his school’s marching band as a saxophonist and has been actively involved in his community through volunteer work. He has spent numerous days volunteering at the Arkansas Hawks Food Pantry and the Museum of Discovery. Most recently, he served as a volunteer youth coach at his local Boys & Girls Club, helping the next generation of kids develop their skills for the future.
“He’s an extremely well-rounded kid. He’s obviously amazingly talented at basketball and extremely athletic and all that, but he’s a great student,” Ross said.
His coach highlighted Boateng’s dedication, stating that despite any personal struggles, he has never coached a more committed player. This level of perseverance and focus is a testament to Boateng’s character both on and off the court.
Mizzou hit big with the addition of Boateng last fall, and fans should be excited to see him contribute to the team when the season tips off next month.
