Mizzou’s Cuonzo Martin, Mark Smith win weekly awards

Sitting at 3-0, the Mizzou basketball team is off to its best start since 2013 and quickly gaining national recognition. Their rising profile was evidenced Monday as guard Mark Smith and head coach Cuonzo Martin both received weekly awards for their strong performance as the Tigers defeated Oregon and Wichita State.

Smith, who combined for 34 points, four assists and seven rebounds in Missouri’s two victories last week, was named the SEC Player of the Week. The senior from Edwardsville, Illinois shot 52.6 percent, 45.4 percent from 3-point range and a perfect 9-of-9 from the foul line.

Martin, who is in his fourth year as Missouri’s head coach, was named ESPN’s National Coach of the Week after leading the Tigers to victories over two traditional powerhouse programs. The 83-75 victory over No. 21 Oregon was Missouri’s first win over a ranked opponent away from home since 2012.