April 14, 2006

Columbia, Mo. -

Individual workouts are well underway at Mizzou Arena and first year Head Coach Mike Anderson is unleashing his fast-paced, up-tempo system on his returning players.  MUTigers.com had a chance to catch up with Mizzou senior Marcus Watkins to discuss the exciting transition into the Mike Anderson era of Mizzou Hoops and talk about the areas of his game he plans to focus on as he enters his final season of play at Mizzou.

 

 

You've been going through a few days of individual workouts now, tell the Mizzou fans what it's like playing for Coach Anderson?

"He's given us a different way of looking at the game and a different style to play. It really isn't a position oriented style of play. Guards are going to be forced to play on the post at times and posts will be asked to make plays on the perimeter. It really allows guys to make plays and use their athleticism. The one consistent thing in his style of play is defense. If you don't play defense, you just won't play."

 

 

What's been the most noticeable difference in workouts thus far?

"It's high intensity. We are going hard and fast. There isn't a lot of time to rest in-between drills and that allows for quicker, more focused practices."

 

 

Talk about his style of play. Is it something you are looking forward to?

"It's a unique style. It's not something I'm used to, because I've never played that style before, but yeah, it's something I am looking forward to learning and playing."

 

 

When you first met Coach Anderson, what was the first thing that came to your mind?

"The first thing he stressed to us was academics. He let everyone know that the slate was going to be wiped clean, but academics needed to be our top priority. He also said that we needed to get in better condition to play in this system. Not that we weren't in shape this season, but it's a different type of condition."

 

 

What's one area of your game that you will focus on during the off-season?

"Getting in that condition. It's an up-tempo, up-and-down style and if you want to play extended minutes, you will need to be able to make plays and that starts with conditioning."

 

 

Talk about your spring break. Where did you go and what did you spend most of your time doing?

"I had a chance to go to the Final Four in Indianapolis with my dad. It was a great time. I also spent a lot of time with family and rest up for individual workouts."

 

 

 

If you could pick one Spring Break destination, where would you choose and why?

"Miami, Fla. I would just go to the beach and hang out all day."

 

 

The NBA Playoffs are just around the corner. Give us your sleeper pick for a playoff run?

"I'm picking the Nuggets. Linas (Kleiza) made a start for them the other day and I'm hoping that continues and can get them going as they move into the playoffs."

 

 

The school year is also entering the homestretch, meaning Summer Break is just around the corner. What are your plans for the summer?

"I'm going to graduate this summer, so that's exciting. I just plan on finishing up school and working out as much as possible. This is my senior season and I'm going to do everything I can to make it a successful one."

 

 

Chances are some family members will read this Q&A on mutigers.com. If they do, what's one thing you want them to send you from home?

"Shoes and socks. It's tough to find shoes in my size here in Columbia."

 

 

If you were playing a game of 2-on-2, which teammate would you pick to play with and why?

"I'd have to go with my roommate Kalen Grimes. He's been working hard and he's always a great guy to have on your team."

 

Check back with MUTigers.com for more Q & A's with the Mizzou Men's Basketball Team. Next up will be freshman Leo Lyons, who talks about his excitement to play in the Mike Anderson system.