April 25, 2006

Columbia, Mo. -

In addition to off-season updates with current Tiger basketball standouts, MUTigers.com will feature Q&A's with new Tiger Coaches Mike Anderson, Matt Zimmerman, T.J. Cleveland and Jeff Daniels, as well as returning Associate Head Coach Melvin Watkins. MUTigers.com was able to catch up with one of the newest member of Mizzou's coaching staff, T.J. Cleveland, to talk about his career aspirations as a collegiate coach and what it takes to be successful in Mike Anderson's Run-and-Execute style of play.

 

 

You graduated from Arkansas with a degree in communications ... What made you decide to go into the coaching profession?

 

"I love the game of basketball. I had the opportunity to go overseas and continue playing, but Coach (Mike) Anderson got the job at UAB and I had the opportunity to go back home (Birmingham) and start my coaching career. Growing up, everyone always told me that I was going to be a coach one day and I guess they were right. Everything has worked out thus far, so I guess I made the right choice."

 

 

What made people think that you were destined for a career in coaching?

 

"My dad taught me at an early age to understand each aspect of the game. I wasn't real athletic growing up, so I had to outthink my opponents and the mental portion of the game grew with me as I grew as a player."

 

 

If not coaching, how would you have liked to use your communications degree?

 

"I could see myself working as an agent or working in real estate. I see myself as an entrepreneur, so I would be doing something where I run my own business."

 

 

OK, back to basketball, you've both played and coached in this system. What are the key elements in being successful in this Run-and-Execute style of basketball?

 

"I feel like the key is understanding the system and understanding the game of basketball. People know defense is an emphasis for us. You can create a lot of offense with your play on the defensive end. We hear people calling it a run-and-gun style of play, but it really is run-and-execute and defense is the staple of what we are trying to do and that's what we are going to bring to Missouri Basketball."

 

 

This is a unique style of basketball with regards to there being very few programs that play this way. What's been the key to your success at Arkansas and UAB?

 

 

"First of all, you have to have the players to do it. If you don't have the players to play in this system, then it's not going to work. We were fortunate enough at UAB to get guys to come in and buy into the system. Each player can bring something unique to the table and they helped execute what we were trying to do."

 

 

When you are on the recruiting trail, what are some elements you look for in a potential recruit?

 

"How hard he plays. Effort makes up for a lot of other things on the court. Second, you look at the physical aspect. Will he be able to compete in the Big 12 Conference?"

 

 

You are part of a very passionate staff and are no stranger working extended hours, especially on the days when you have morning workouts with the team. Where does that work ethic come from?

 

"I think it's a family trait. Where we are from, nobody hands you anything, you have to go out and work for it. Coach Anderson was the same way and he has had to work to get where he is at today. Coach Anderson teaches that mindset to his players and that is our attitude going into each day. We need to outwork our opponents to get to the level we want to be at."

 

 

Not many people know this, but you have a young family. Tell us about your wife. Where did you meet and when did you get married?

 

 

"My wife and I met in college and that's where we started dating. She's a blessing to me. She's been so good for me and she's definitely my better half. Everything I'm not, she is, so we work out perfectly together."

 

 

Since she's back in Alabama for the time being, how much is your phone bill?

 

 

"Oh, we get around that. We call each other after 9 p.m. (Night and Weekend Plan) so it won't be too bad."

 

Tell us about the workouts with the returning players. How are they adjusting to the new system?

 

 

"The guys are doing a great job. They are going hard. They are giving us 150-percent everyday in the weight room and on the court. They are also getting it done in the classroom too, so that speaks well of them.

 

 

Potential recruits seem to be excited about your style of play, why is that?

 

 

"In the words of Coach Anderson, it gives them a chance to use their natural abilities. We don't put our players in a box and what I mean by that, we don't limit them as a `1' (point guard), `2' (off-guard) `3' (small forward) or `4' (power forward). We just get good basketball players and try to develop them and make them better."

 

 

Finally, you're not too far removed from your playing days. Do you ever get the urge to jump out on the court and start playing again?

 

 

"Sometimes I do, but by the time I run down the stairs towards the practice gym, I realize that I'm not in the best shape to be out there playing with those young guys."

 

 

Check back with MUTigers.com for more Q&A's with the Mizzou Men's Basketball program.