First off, there was not a single chance in hell MPJ was coming back next season. Why would he? Why risk another injury for a second year at college when you can go roll in big cash with a big, juicy rookie contract in the NBA? The only thing I wish is that he handled it a little bit better.
Throughout the entire season, the story was, "I'm still considering coming back." News flash, he was never considering coming back. If MPJ really cared about attaining his stated collegiate goals, there's no question he would be back next year. The team under-performed, they didn't meet expectations, and they suffered upset losses in the first round of the SEC and NCAA Tournament.
Of course he can't come out and admit he's going one and done, but you can definitely word things differently. "I'm focused on rehabbing my back and helping my team this year," would've done no harm to anyone.
So what did MPJ actually give the university? I mean he only played two minutes in the opening game and then struggled in both postseason games. But that wasn't his contribution. Without MPJ coming to Mizzou, Jontay would not be here. Jontay went from being in high school to a projected first round draft pick in one season.
Without MPJ, recruiting wouldn't have had nearly as much momentum. Blake Harris at Mizzou wouldn't have been a thing without MPJ. That didn't go well, but it still needs to be noted. Remember when we actually thought we had a shot at landing Kevin Knox? Without MPJ, that's not a possibility.
Mizzou Arena was packed for nearly every game this season. Without MPJ and the excitement he built for the season early on, that doesn't happen. Mizzou basketball was fun to follow this year. It ended on a sad note, but at least we cared. Mizzou basketball has been a dumpster fire for the last five years. To finally be a little relevant again, can we really be all that mad?
Let's give MPJ his credit. Getting injured wasn't his fault. Tears streamed down his face after falling to Florida State. The kid cared. He didn't provide what we all wanted on the court. Who knows what this season could've looked like if he did. He spiked recruiting, he filled Mizzou Arena, and he brought relevancy back to this program that probably didn't deserve it. Thank you, MPJ. Go make that money in the NBA. I'll be rooting for you.