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What's On
Welp.
The moment got away from Mizzou's young team. In front of 7,989, the Tigers were tight from the outset, and Tennessee was not. And by the time they settled down, a) they were down pretty big, b) Tennessee's length gave the Vols a trump card for any comeback attempt, and c) Mizzou couldn't buy a 3-pointer. Good shot or bad, they all clanged. (Well, 19 of 21 did.)
Chalk it up to learning experiences. There will be more of them, but Mizzou will settle down more quickly in the future, I'm guessing.
MUtigers.com: #20 @MizzouWBB Drops First Game of Season, Falls 71-55 to #12 Tennessee
The Trib: No. 12 Tennessee overwhelms No. 20 MU women in SEC opener
Post-Dispatch: Lady Vols hand Mizzou season's first loss
Hoops Media Day
SEC Road Trip #1 is on deck.
The coach has been pleased with his overall progress as well after seeing Gant average 6.6 points and 4.8 rebounds over the past eight games while making himself a much more active presence on both ends of the floor.
"I think he’s played really well lately," Anderson said. "I think he’s gotten comfortable. … The strength factor still figures in," Anderson said of Gant. "He’s getting stronger. But that’s kind of something we’ve been working on. But I think he’s played well. He’s given us a presence on the inside, and he’s been able to guard on the perimeter some. Both he and Russ Woods have done a good job when they get switched off on somebody or they end up on a smaller player, some way of kind of gapping it and keeping them from getting to the basket, using their length."
Anderson has taken to dividing Missouri’s minutes at power forward between Gant and freshman starter Puryear and has substituted one for the other almost exclusively. He said he would like to try to use them side-by-side more often as the season continues if both can be productive.
Russell Woods and Ryan Rosburg have brought a little bit more oomph to the table when it comes to defensive rebounding, but the thought of Gant and Puryear on the floor at the same time is certainly encouraging, especially once Puryear is better able to adapt his game to more athletic opponents. He's very much a work in progress in that regard.
PowerMizzou: Basketball Media Day, 1/4
Anderson said he's encouraged by the last couple of games #Mizzou has played, though notes competition will be much greater on Wednesday.
— Steve Walentik (@Steve_Walentik) January 4, 2016
Anderson: We're going to be playing bigger & stronger guys starting on Wednesday. #Mizzou
— Brandon Kiley (@BKSportsTalk) January 4, 2016
Anderson on Georgia: "Maten's really impressive. He's strong around the basket." Said guard J.J. Frazier's really quick.
— Steve Walentik (@Steve_Walentik) January 4, 2016
Kim Anderson meeting with local media, concerned with Georgia's transition game and rebounding.
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) January 4, 2016
Anderson said the first SEC road game for his newcomers will be an eye-opening experience but thinks the Tigers have played a good schedule.
— Steve Walentik (@Steve_Walentik) January 4, 2016
Anderson: "We want to push the ball. We have to play a little faster and maybe create some baskets off of our break."
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) January 4, 2016
Anderson: "Our goals are to try to continue to improve. Try to play well every game. Try to avoid a streak like we had (last year)." #Mizzou
— Brandon Kiley (@BKSportsTalk) January 4, 2016
.@CoachAndersonMU: "We want to push the ball. Play a little faster. Create opportunities out of the break." #MIZ pic.twitter.com/muA3HH8b6R
— Mizzou Basketball (@MizzouHoops) January 4, 2016
Anderson said he hopes #Mizzou won't get down on itself when facing adversity and can avoid a prolonged losing streak.
— Steve Walentik (@Steve_Walentik) January 4, 2016
Anderson on #SEC: "I think it's a good league. I don't know that we have that team that's like Kentucky was a year ago."
— Gabe DeArmond (@GabeDeArmond) January 4, 2016
Anderson: Our defense is geared toward keeping teams out of the paint. We're accomplishing what we want to accomplish. #Mizzou
— Brandon Kiley (@BKSportsTalk) January 4, 2016
Anderson: "So many teams today have trouble guarding the basketball, including us. That's something we've worked on."
— Steve Walentik (@Steve_Walentik) January 4, 2016
Anderson said Gant's shot-blocking presence in the middle has helped #Mizzou's defense. "I think he's played really well lately."
— Steve Walentik (@Steve_Walentik) January 4, 2016
Anderson says Mizzou has done better with its pack line defense. MU's defensive FG % on 2-point shots ranks No. 24 nationally
— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) January 4, 2016
Anderson says Namon Wright a better player this year than last even though he’s not scoring as much or shooting as well.
— Gabe DeArmond (@GabeDeArmond) January 4, 2016
Anderson said people get the wrong idea that if Namon Wright isn't shooting well, he can't be effective. Said he's improved all-around game.
— Steve Walentik (@Steve_Walentik) January 4, 2016
Anderson was asked if it's a good or bad thing that Wright's leading MU in rebounding. "I've been thinking about that. I think it's OK."
— Steve Walentik (@Steve_Walentik) January 4, 2016
Anderson said #Mizzou has more defined roles than it did a few weeks ago. "Guys have done a good job of accepting and understanding" roles.
— Steve Walentik (@Steve_Walentik) January 4, 2016
Next year's reinforcements
PowerMizzou: Following the Future
Welcome back to town, Greg Brown
The Trib: Veteran Greg Brown to coach MU's cornerbacks
Post-Dispatch: Mizzou hires veteran assistant football coach from Louisville