May 7, 2003

Juniors Arthur Johnson and Rickey Paulding announced today that they will return to the University of Missouri to finish out their academic and athletic careers next season. Both Johnson and Paulding are on pace to earn their respective degrees in May of 2004.

"We take tremendous pride in A.J. and Rickey's individual maturation process and this decision is one more indication of their value system," head coach Quin Snyder said. "You cannot underestimate the value of their leadership and what they bring to the team and I think it speaks volumes to their teammates of their commitment to program and their commitment to the University of Missouri."

Paulding and Johnson ranked #1 and #2 in scoring for Mizzou this season. Paulding averaged a career-best 17.4 points per contest and scored a career-high 36 points in the Tigers NCAA contest against Marquette. The talented swingman was named to the All-Big 12 second team by members of the Big 12 media and to the third team by the conference Coaches. Paulding also received Mizzou's Total Person Program Award of Excellence for continued hard work and commitment both on the court and in the classroom.

"We have the opportunity to do something special here at Mizzou and we still have goals that we want to reach," Paulding said. "There is a great support system here with our coaching staff and this is an opportunity for me to continue to develop as a player and as a person."

Johnson had a landmark year for the Tigers earning a third team All-American nod from Basketball Digest. He was named to the All-District Team by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and also earned All-Big 12 Tourney honors. AJ became Mizzou's all-time blocked shots leader earlier this season and now has 198 career rejections. He is also on pace to break the Mizzou career rebounding mark as he needs just 194 boards to reach that plateau.

"The team we have coming back next year has a lot of promise, but we need to work hard this summer," Johnson said. "This a great chance for us to accomplish our goals as a team and also for me to enjoy my last year at Mizzou and earn my degree."

The Tigers are in the midst of spring workouts and continue to prepare for the 2003-04 season. For more information on Mizzou Basketball, log on to www.mutigers.com.