April 21, 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 junior-to-be Glen Dandridge 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 third 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 fast. He has our workouts going up-tempo and we are getting stuff done quickly. We aren't wasting much time, basically our individual workouts are an introduction to what it will be like once we start full practices next fall."

 

 

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

"It's the speed. Everything we do is fast and with a purpose. We don't waste any time out there. We are getting more intense workouts in a shorter amount of time."

 

 

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

"I'm excited about it. I am looking forward to having the chance to make plays in the full court. I feel like I can perform well in this system and use my natural abilities to help the team win more games."

 

 

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

"He's a winner and he wants us to be winners with him. He's won everywhere and he's going to make Missouri a winner now."

 

 

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

"Making plays off the dribble. Before, my role was more of a spot-up shooter. I was supposed to come off screens, spot-up and shoot the basketball. That will still happen some in this system, but you had better be able to make plays and create your own shot at times and that is what I am working on. I am working on my moves off the dribble and am working on attacking the rim."

Dandridge showcased his ability to get to the rim vs. Colorado

 

 

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

"No question for me, it's Jason Horton. He's done a great job so far. He is focused and determined. He's really working hard in this system and people can already the results."

 

 

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

"I went home. I really enjoyed having a chance to spend time with family and friends."

 

 

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

"Miami, Fla. I mean the sun is always shining and it is just beautiful down there ... everything is beautiful down there."

 

 

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

"The Cavaliers. LeBron James is amazing and of course, it's the playoffs, so anything can happen once you get in that situation."

 

 

Did you ever play against LeBron James?

"No, we came close at some tournaments, but we never matched up with him."

 

 

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 go home for the first month and spend some time with my family, but I'm coming right back here to get to work. I've got a lot of things I want to accomplish this season and it's going to take a lot of working out and playing to reach those goals."

 

 

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?

"Money. Tell my family they can send me some money so I can buy some new shoes."

 

 

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

"I'd have to say Jason Horton. The way he is working out, makes it an easy pick for me. Again, he is so determined and we are both juniors and we want to get Missouri back to the level it belongs."

 

 

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.