Dec. 6, 2006

Columbia, Mo. -

By Andrea Rivers, Media Relations Student-Assistant

"I love this game. I love everything about it. It's my energy, my passion, my excitement."

That is the answer that new Missouri guard, Stefhon Hannah gave as to why USAToday.com named him as possibly the "biggest recruiting catch" for the 2006 season Missouri Tigers. He answers with a slight, flattered smile as he keeps a close eye on his teammates warming up, anxious to join them.

Hannah, a 6-1, 175-pound guard from Chipola Community College in Florida, joins the Missouri basketball line-up for the start of his junior season. Ranked as one of the top ten junior college guards in the nation (jucojunction.com), Hannah was recruited by Missouri Head Coach Mike Anderson while still at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Hannah credits his recruitment by Anderson as well as the wishes of his mother with his final decision to come to Missouri.

"She was really comfortable with him (Coach Anderson), and meeting Marshall (Brown) and Jason (Horton) on my official visit had an influence on my decision as well," states Hannah.

Since arriving late last summer, Hannah's still learning to adjust to life at Missouri.

"It's different," he said. "It definitely takes some getting used to. It's a much larger environment, more students, classes are further apart...There's always something that I have to do. I've got my whole day planned out for me already, actually my whole week."

On the basketball side of things Hannah does not find the transition to be nearly as challenging.

"I know I'm a great fit to this program. I love to play up and down, and that's what we've all (teammates) grown together playing," Hannah states referring to Anderson's highly recognized "up-tempo" style. "Offense, defense, it doesn't matter. We learn the plays for every position. Coach (Anderson) didn't recruit me as a guard. He recruited me as a ball player, and I'm here to play ball."

Hannah continues by commenting on Anderson's "no guaranteed playing time" policy. "He made that clear from day one. We all start on an even playing field, and it's competitive."

There is no doubt that Hannah is a great fit to this new Missouri team as he expresses how his energy will spill onto the court.

"I like it here...everything, the game, the crowd, even getting up in the morning and working out," Hannah said. "It's motivation. We haven't been practicing at 6 a.m. for nothing. I'm all about winning. I just want to bring it on the court with my teammates and give the fans what they want." Of course there is no question that Hannah's background supports his passion. During his two years at Chipola, Hannah averaged 14.5 points, 6.5 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 3.1 steals, earning himself national recognition as a Second Team Junior College All-American and a ranking of number 25 on the list of top JUCO transfers (jucojunction.com). Hannah was also named the 2006 Panhandle Conference Player of the year due to his scoring achievements throughout his sophomore season. While at Chipola, Hannah also helped his team to a 60-7 (two-year) record, landing the team a No. 1 ranking throughout the 2005-06 campaign. Hannah and his teammates also caused a stir at the 2005 National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) Tournament, finishing fourth nationally.

Originally hailing from Chicago's Hyde Park High School, Hannah received recognitions such as first team All-Public League and first team All-Area honors (Chicago Sun Times and Chicago Tribune). Hannah concluded his senior year by finishing second in the state tournament and earning Most Valuable Player in the high school conference's holiday tournament.

Hannah's accomplishments throughout his high school career are currently what he is most proud of.

"Hyde Park (high school) wasn't known for its basketball program. The group that I came in with changed all that," says Hannah. "We turned around the basketball aspect of the school."

And Hannah's coming in with that same game plan for Missouri basketball. Feeding off of the doubt that has surrounded this team in past seasons, Hannah is assured that their future shines bright.

"Everyone is doubting us. We predicted last, dead last in the Big 12 conference, but the fans don't need to worry about our preseason ranking."

When asked how the ranking and the past affects him, Hannah lights up.

"That just makes us want to win even more. It serves as nothing but motivation... We've got a new team and a new coach...a great, competitive group of guys that stick together no matter what," Hannah continues. "We're going to make some noise and everyone's going to be surprised."