COLUMBIA, Mo. - For three years, Laurence Bowers understood his role on the Missouri basketball team.
He described himself as an "athletic garbage type" player. He did his part on defense, he rebounded, and he scored when called upon.
After sitting out last season with a knee injury, Bower's role has changed. Now, through at least the first nine games of the season, he's asserted himself as Missouri's top threat on offense.
"He's more gifted offensively than what I saw on tape," Missouri coach Frank Haith said. "He's really expanded his game. I'm sure he was ....