April 17, 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 sophomore-to-be Leo Lyons 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 second season of play at Mizzou.

 

 

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

"It's a lot faster now, that's for sure. The environment is just different. I feel like players are going to have the ability to showcase their talents in this offense, which is one thing I am excited about."

 

 

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

"It's a lot faster. We aren't in the gym as long, but there isn't any downtime. We move quickly to our drills and have intense workouts."

 

 

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

"I feel like it will showcase my strengths a little more. It allows for guys to move around the court and make some plays in one-on-one situations. I'm looking forward to playing in this system and I am looking to have an improved year after last season."

 

 

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

"He was serious about being here at Mizzou. He came across as a laidback guy in that first meeting, but he's all about winning. He has a winning attitude and that's contagious."

 

 

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

"No question, it's shooting. I am trying to get up as many shots as possible."

 

 

We've only gone through a few workouts, but which player has made the most strides on Coach Anderson's system?

"Actually, I would say Kap (Kevin Young). He's lost a lot of weight and he is getting up and down the floor real well. He's preparing to play professionally and he's benefited quite a bit from these workouts. We all wish him the best of luck."

 

 

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

"I went home. I had a chance to play a little while I was home and I caught up with some friends that went to other colleges. I also had a chance to get rested up for the individual workouts we are going through right now."

 

 

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

"New York. It's a basketball Mecca up there. It would be great to go around to those parks and play over break."

 

 

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

"LeBron James and the Cavs. I'll say they are my surprise team to make the NBA Finals. The Cavs vs. the Spurs."

 

 

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

"I have some family in New York so I will go up there for a little bit and stay with them. I'd like to hit some of those parks and work on my game."

 

 

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?

"I need a new set of clippers and of course some money. What college student wouldn't want their family to send them some money."

 

 

Clippers? Are you the team barber?

"I'm working on it. I don't cut anyone's hair yet, but I'm practicing, that's why I need the clippers."

 

 

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

"It's my roommate Matt Lawrence. He's a great guy to play with. He can shoot, pass, defend. Class of '09."

 

 

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