Connor Vanover: Missouri Basketball's New 7-Foot-5 Center
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Connor Vanover thought he was finished with college basketball.
After the 2022-23 season, the 24-year-old expected to try his luck by putting his name in the NBA Draft and playing professional basketball, forgoing the rest of his education.
Vanover later had a shift in mindset, realizing that returning to college would be the best decision for his future. Missouri assistant coach David Nutt was one of the first people to reach out to him, and after connecting with him over their shared hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas, he then met head coach Dennis Gates.
The senior immediately felt a sense of togetherness surrounding the program, feeling an inviting atmosphere of a family-like group.
"It's something that I never really experienced before," Vanover said. "So that really sold me."
Standing at 7-foot-5, Vanover is tied for the tallest player in college basketball currently.
The Oral Roberts transfer averaged 12.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game last season, the best of his career. He took home the Summit League's Defensive Player of the Year award, as well as making it to the First Team All-Summit League.
Coming into Missouri's basketball program, Vanover will be a key piece for Dennis Gates' roster.
It was no secret that the biggest issue for Missouri men's basketball last season was rebounding, a constant struggle that cost the Tigers a win on multiple occasions. As the smallest team in the SEC, they finished dead-last in rebounds per game.
Missouri lacked the height and depth especially at the center position, a glaring weakness in a conference that consisted of players the likes of Oscar Tshiebwe and Charles Bediako.
Heading into the offseason, Gates knew he needed a center. A player that could thrive at that position in Missouri's system. That player just so happened to be Vanover, and Gates didn't wait long to recruit him heavily.
Oct. 16, 2023: Missouri center Connor Vanover answers questions from reporters at Missouri men’s basketball Media Day at Mizzou Arena.
© Amber Winkler-MizzouCentral.com
“[Vanover is] a guy that causes matchup problems because you look at him in height, I look at him just as a basketball player," Gates said. "He’s the tallest guard in the country. ... If he's not shooting 3s, I'm going to take him out of the game."
For his height, the center does have a unique skillset that can be utilized in Missouri. While by no means a knockdown 3-point shooter, Vanover did shoot a respectable 32 percent from deep last season on 4.2 attempts per game, showcasing an ability to stretch the floor.
"Now, at the end of the day I’m going to ask him to not only block shots and score, I’m going to ask him to continue to make unbelievable assists, be a defensive presence, be able to do multiple things, be an anchor, be a leader," Gates said. "He’s done a tremendous job from day one."
Vanover considers himself to be an "inside-out big", a player that can score at a high level in the paint and behind the arc, while also being able to lead a defense with his rim protection and rebounding ability.
The size of the senior also creates its own set of limitations, however. Vanover isn't exactly a switchable center, so at times he can get put into mismatches. A quick and agile guard or forward can blow right past him to the basket, or opposing teams can make him close out on the perimeter.
If these issues become commonplace for Vanover, his role with Missouri could change as the season goes on, especially in a system that prioritizes 3-point shooting and a fast tempo.
It will take time to fully adjust to the Tigers style of play, but Vanover is ready to compete for a team that has its eyes set on Phoenix – the home of the 2024 NCAA National Championship.
"We say it all the time, and we really mean it," Vanover said. "We know that we can get there, so we just got to believe in ourselves and we're going to get there."
