Energized - @MizzouHoops Begins 2016-17 Practices
10/4/2016 12:44:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Anderson's returning Tigers and newcomers excited for prospects of upcoming season
By Andrew Melroe, Mizzou Strategic Communications
COLUMBIA, Mo. - It's the first week of October, and the first week of 2016-17 practices for the Mizzou Men's Basketball team, but it would not be hard to mistake the atmosphere at Mizzou Arena for the first week of the spring. There's a new feeling in the building, a fresh vibe to go along with a fresh season, and the Tigers are ready to move forward and take on the challenges of a new campaign.
"Through two days of practice, I have been really pleased with a lot of aspects," said head coach Kim Anderson. "The main thing I have seen is the energy level."
One of the key contributors to an increase in energy level is new strength and conditioning coach, Nick Michael, who has emphasized a culture of toughness and competiveness within the Mizzou program.
"A big asset for us is Nick Michael, who has done a really great job with our guys," Anderson said. "You can certainly tell a great deal of difference from earlier this summer to now in some of the guys."
"Something different that I have noticed this year is the coaches have done a good job setting the tone early in practice. The energy level has been higher day-to-day," said sophomore forward Kevin Puryear (Blue Springs, Mo.), who has shed 19 pounds over the offseason to improve quickness and agility.
Going hand-and-hand with energy is defense, which has also been an emphasis on the court early on in practices.
"Our big thing is to go out and get stops," said sophomore guard Terrence Phillips (Orange County, Calif.). "We want to get more energy in the building this year. We know getting stops, jumping over tables and diving on the floor will get the crowd going. We know we have guys like Mitchell (Smith), Willie (Jackson) and Frankie (Hughes), who want to get out on the break and dunk the ball. Which all starts with our defense getting stops."
With a year of experience under their belt, Mizzou's group of returners understand the importance of being on the same page and knowing their roles, while the newcomers know they have the opportunity to make a difference immediately.
"I think (the returners) have done a pretty good job of leading these younger guys so far," Anderson said. "I think every one of the new guys has a chance to make significant contributions."
"We are playing more together this year," said senior forward Russell Woods (Chicago, Ill.). "Our bond has gotten stronger since bringing in the new guys. With this group of guys, we are always competing, always fighting. If we are down about something, we are able to help each other out and talk to each other, and stay focused and continue fighting."
More energy, a focus on the defensive end, and stronger team chemistry is the recipe Mizzou hopes can pay dividends on the basketball court.
"I just want to make the tournament, I just want to win," Phillips said. "I want to get people back in the seats. With this group we have here, I think we have our core here for the next three years and we are going to turn this around."
