Missouri Tiger guard JT Tiller is starting to garner attention from fans and media from all over the Big 12 for his relentless defensive play and I’ve got the stats to back it up.
Kirk Bohls who writes for the Austin Amercan Stateman in Texas names Tiller as the top Big 12 defender. Tiller’s numbers are impressive. He has 14 games with multiple steals and has a total of 52 of Mizzou’s 280 in their first 26 games.
What’s even more impressive is Tiller draws the assignment of getting the other team’s top play maker night in and night out. I’m talking about the Sherron Collins, Curtis Jerrells of Baylor, etc.
Another stat the Mizzou staff keeps track of is pass deflections and JT is averaging better than five a game. The final stat I’ll throw at you which I’m impressed with is his assist to turnover ratio which is better than 2-1. So not only is he guarding the opponent’s top defender, but he’s doing his job of distributing the basketball on the offensive end.
It would be a crime if Tiller does not get Defensive Player of the Year honors in the Big 12 and he has a shot as the best defender in the nation. If Mizzou stays near the top in the national eye, that could become a reality.
