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Kim Anderson previews Mizzou's trip to Italy

Anderson is optimistic for Italy with how hard his team is working, even with Jordan Barnett and Reed Nikko on the sideline.

By Pboggs Updated

Kim Anderson met with the media today, July 26th,  to preview their upcoming trip to Italy and discuss the progress of the team. Mizzou will take visits to Venice, Florence, Rome and Milan, as well as trips to the Vatican and a cruise on Lake Como.  With 3 practices done and 7 more to go in preparation for Italy,  Anderson is hopeful for success in Italy, but he knows the team has more to learn.

"Im really excited for this trip for alot of reasons", Anderson said, "We have a lot to learn in a short period of time."

There will also be precautionary measures taken for the safety of each player. Anderson informed the media that an FBI agent will visit with the team to provide information for international travel.

Barnett and Nikko will not compete in Italy

Anderson mentioned today that Junior forward Jordan Barnett will not be eligible to play in Italy due to NCAA rules. Since his transfer from Texas, Barnett will be able to play once he completes his first full semester at Mizzou. Anderson also noted Reed Nikko will be sidelined due to his recovery from hip surgery he had in the spring.

Freshman impress Anderson

Among the newcomers on the basketball team, Frankie Hughes and Willie Jackson have been some of the most impressive. Anderson praised the two during his preview by saying that Frankie " brings a lot of energy" and mentioned "Willie Jackson has a great motor." The team will need these freshman to step up immediately and make a difference, especially with Italy coming up.

Inspiration from a Pro

Former Mizzou Basketball and current NBA player DeMarre Carroll stopped in Columbia to talk with the team. Carroll talked to the team, telling them, "You may not be the best players, but you can be the hardest workers."

Missouri recently offered 2017 big man Garrison Brooks, who plays for Team Carroll , an AAU team sponsored by the former Tiger forward.

Missouri also made the top 7 for local priority Jordan Goodwin from Althoff in Illinois.

Missouri's next Athletic Director

Kim Anderson was asked about Missouri's AD situation to which he replied, "I'm confident that the chancellor and the search firm will do a great job" and that having an AD with ties to Missouri, "isn't a dealbreaker, but it is important.".

Earlier today, Interim AD Wren Baker was linked to the University of North Texas AD position.

Full Basketball Schedule:

- Game 1:  Mizzou vs. LCC International University, Sunday, August 7 (11:30 a.m.)

Location: Palazzetto Arena Altero Felici, Via Flaminia 867, Rome

- Game 2: Mizzou vs. BC Silute, Tuesday, August 9 (11:30 a.m.)

Location: Pala Terme Sport Complex, Via Cimabue, Montecatini Terme

- Game 3: Mizzou vs. Vicenza Select, Friday, August 12 (1:30 p.m.)

Location: Palazzetto dello Sport, Via Manzoni 1, Creazzo (Vicenza)

- Game 4: Mizzou vs. Kosovo National Team, Saturday, August 13 (11:30 a.m.)

Location: Palazzetto Scuole Elementari, Via Verdi, Costa Masnaga (Lecco)

Terrence Phillips, International Hooper

Missouri's sophomore point guard Terrence Phillips lived in Italy during his sixth grade year with his brother, Brandon Jennings. He attended Marymount International School in Rome. We got a peak at him back then courtesy of his mother, Alice Knox, via twitter.

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