A setback for the Tigers' backcourt
On Jan. 31, Annor Boateng suffered a left‑leg injury that required surgery and forced him to miss the remainder of the campaign. The procedure left the coaching staff without a clear timeline for his return, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming season.
Boateng arrived in Columbia as a consensus top‑40 recruit and the highest‑rated prospect for the program since 2017. Despite that pedigree, his first two seasons were marked by limited playing time, never exceeding 12 minutes per game, and modest scoring outputs.
During his freshman year a lingering knee issue restricted his minutes, and in his sophomore campaign he managed just 2.7 points in 11.5 minutes per appearance, shooting below 32 percent from the field. Defensively, however, he was praised for his athleticism and sturdy frame as a guard.
What the numbers say
Across 32 games spanning two seasons, Boateng averaged 2.3 points and shot 32.9 percent overall. Those figures reflect a player who has struggled to translate high‑school promise into consistent college production, largely due to injury setbacks and competition for minutes.
Head coach Dennis Gates had expressed confidence that Boateng was poised for a breakout before the preseason injury occurred. The coaching staff sees him as a potential two‑way contributor who could provide a spark off the bench if he can stay healthy and regain confidence.
If Boateng enters the next season with full health and renewed confidence, his defensive skill set could earn him a larger role, allowing him to impact games without needing extensive offensive production. Conversely, a lack of confidence or continued inefficiency could see his minutes shrink even further, limiting his influence on the team.