@MizzouHoops Meets the Media on Tuesday, Oct. 25
10/25/2016 4:23:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Head coach Kim Anderson and student-athletes focused as 2016-17 season approaches
COLUMBIA, Mo. - Mizzou Men's Basketball head coach Kim Anderson and members of his 2016-17 squad took time before practice on Tuesday, Oct. 25, to meet with the local media at Mizzou Arena, sharing their excitement and level of focus with those in attendance.
The Tigers will show off this year's group for the first time at Mizzou's Halloween & Hoops event at Mizzou Arena on Friday, Oct. 28. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for an hour of trick-or-treating and games on the arena concourse. On-court action, including the Black & Gold Scrimmage, will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Quotes from Mizzou head coach Kim Anderson:
Opening Statement...
"Practice has gone well. We have had a couple of scrimmages with SEC officials, and I think based on the way they have been calling our games, there are going to be a lot of free throws early, and a lot of rebounding fouls called. Having those guys come in and call our scrimmages has been really good for us. Our energy has been really good. I think our biggest challenge now is putting together the 10 guys who we think are going to play the most. Of course, that excludes Jordan Barnett, who can't play until December 17. We feel we have 10 guys that are competing every day. Again, I am not sure who we will start, but I think it will include the guys we return from last year, but I wouldn't discount the incoming freshmen or sophomore Jordan Geist. They have provided great competition in practice. I hope this is good, but sometimes you put the five out there that can do the best, but then the other five surprise you, and they beat them. I really don't care who starts. What is exciting to me is the level of competition, and that we are getting better every day. We have spent a lot of time on defense, probably more than we should. I think we are going to be a better defensive team. And I hope it starts early for us this season. In the preseason poll, we were picked last, and from the way we finished last year, I probably would have voted that way too. But I certainly don't think that is where we will finish, and I hope this will motivate our players."
On this team's improved three-point shooting...
"Some days, I think we are really good and some days I am concerned. Cullen (VanLeer) has shot the ball really well. From this summer on, he has shot the ball really well consistently. Frankie Hughes can really shoot the ball. He is a little streaky, but he's a guy that can elevate and get his shot off against just about anybody. Terrence has shot the ball better. Jordan Geist has shot the ball well. Barnett is a great three-point shooter, and Puryear can shoot it, as well. I think we will be better than we were a year ago. Hopefully we can get better shots from behind the arc than we did last year. By getting the ball in the lane, we hope to get people open, so they can have time to set their feet, and get off good shots."
On Cullen VanLeer's leadership...
"He has become a guy who I think is a leader in his own way. He isn't a big talker, but when he has something to say, he says it. He has evolved into a guy that I think can help lead this team."
On the team being young, but mature...
"This is a mature, young team. I think the sophomores and the other guys that were here have matured. Certainly when you get thrown into the fire like they did last year, and have to play a lot of minutes against high-level competition, I think that helps. The thing that separates the new guys and the older guys is just offensive knowledge, or being able to execute what we want done. Also, it is knowing what to do when a play doesn't work. I think that is one of the toughest things for the new guys. That is when you have to be a basketball player. I think the new guys are all capable of doing that, but never had to in high school."
