Freshman guard Xavier Pinson has flashed potential as his role grows

John Reed-USA TODAY SportsLast May, divining Xavier Pinson’s future was a futile task. Inside the gym at Arsenal Tech, a stately brick building on Indianapolis’ Near Eastside, the lean point guards drifted through the Prep Ball Stars Midwest Challenge, a ragtag all-star game that unfolded before sparsely filled bleachers.

When the horn sounded, the future Missouri guard had quietly racked up 16 points and five assists in a game where defense was optional. Asked afterward about the opportunity to claim minutes on a roster needy for ball-handlers, Pinson wiped his brow, bit his lip and remained coy.

“It’s up to me to show the coaches I deserve them,” Pinson told me.

Nine months later, Pinson’s…