Oct. 31, 2007

Sometimes change is a good thing. The loss of seven seniors from one season ago and five newcomers on the squad drastically alters this year's roster from just one year ago but the 2007-08 Missouri women's basketball team is looking forward to the challenge.

With only six returnees from last season's 17-14 squad and no experienced seniors on the roster, this year's edition of the Tigers can shed last year's fast start and unfortunate finish and start anew in 2007-08.

The loss of four starters, including All-Big 12 Conference performer EeTisha Riddle and Mizzou's career 3-point holder Carlynn Savant, will be hard to overcome. Youthful enthusiasm and confidence, however, can never be underestimated.

Head Coach Cindy Stein enters her 10th season at the helm of the Tigers fresh off a season where she earned both her 200th career victory and her 150th win at Missouri.

Juniors
On a team without any returning seniors, the two-player junior class will be looked to for leadership and experience for the young Tiger squad. Mesquite, Texas, native Alyssa Hollins comes into the 2007-08 campaign as Missouri's only returning starter, as she started 30-of-31 games as a sophomore.

Mizzou's most experienced player, she is the top returner in points, points per game, rebounds and rebounds per game and will be asked to carry the offensive load and improve on her 11.5 ppg. from last season.

Always a threat from both behind and inside the 3-point arc, Hollins netted a team high 64 triples last season and ranked third in the conference with 2.06 3-pointers per game.

The two-member junior class is rounded out by K-Kay Pickens, a forward from Houston, Texas. One of Mizzou's most athletic players, Pickens will see an increased roll this season after filling a reserve roll her first two years.

A hard-nosed defender in both the half and full court, Pickens's athletic ability will be visible in her outstanding quickness and superior rebounding prowess in her junior season.

Sophomores
With no experienced seniors and only two juniors on the 2007-08 roster, the four-member sophomore class is essential for the team's success. All four gained valuable experience last season coming off the bench are are ready to move into the spotlight this year.

Coming off a season where she missed the first half of the year with injuries, a healthy Amanda Hanneman is expected to make great strides in her sophomore campaign.

The Blue Springs, Mo., native should continue where she left off at the end of last season. The sharpshooting Hanneman gives Missouri another 3-point threat behind Hollins but is tall enough to take the ball to the basket. After seeing action in all but one game last season, Jessra Johnson is poised to have a breakout year for the Tigers.

A versatile player who can play both in the paint and outside the arc, the 6-1 forward will be a hard matchup as she has the ability to rebound, play under the basket and shoot the three consistently.

Toy Richbow looks to be the frontrunner to take over full-time point guard duties after the graduation of last year's starer Blair Hardiek. Richbow started three games in her freshman campaign, including the season opener against Southern Illinois.

A natural point guard with excellent speed, Richbow can push the tempo for the Tigers and distribute the ball in the half court. She will also looked to to mentor a trio of freshman guards

The final member of the sophomore class is forward Marissa Scott, a forward from Iola, Kan. A well rounded player, Scott has a high basketball IQ who can score, pass and rebound.

She gained valuable experience as a freshman last year and looks to have a breakout season and use her height to help the undersized Tigers down low.

Newcomers
A quintet of newcomers joins the Tigers this season, including four freshmen and one former All-American volleyball player for Mizzou. The five rookies are expected to see action right away with only six returning players from a year ago.

RaeShara Brown, a 5'8" guard from Little Rock, Ark., will be one option to back up Richbow at the point. Brown led her high school team to three state titles and racked up over 1,600 points and 800 rebounds in her four-year career.

With a reputation as a tenacious defender and the capability to score, evidenced by her MVP performance in the 2007 Arkansas State Tournament, Brown adds a new dimension to the guard lineup.

The 2007 Miss Show-Me Basketball and a 2007 EA Sports All-America second team selection, Shakara Jones will make an immediate impact on the Missouri roster.

The daughter of former Mizzou basketball player Ron Jones, the 6'2" freshman is a versatile player who can create her own shot, run the floor, rebound and step out on the perimeter.

A 5'9" guard, Bekah Mills was a four-year starter in high school and was named the 2007 Lynette Woodard High School Female Athlete of the Year by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission.

Always a threat from the 3-point line, Mills is an adept ballhandler and passer who can create chances both for herself and her teammates. A mature player, she also possesses strong court awareness and basketball knowledge. After a strong showing in preseason practices, Mills suffered a season-ending knee injury and will be forced to sit out the year.

Jasmyn Otote, a 5'9", comes to the Tigers from Duncanville High School (Texas), one of the top girls basketball programs in the country.

Otote will utilize her big-game experience for Mizzou as the Tigers enter the ever-tough Big 12 Conference schedule. A player who can create her own opportunities, Otote also has a dangerous 3-point game.

Missouri's roster is rounded out by senior Nicole Wilson, a former honorable mention All-America volleyball player for the Tigers. Wilson completed her volleyball eligibility last season but is eligible to play basketball for Mizzou this season.

A dual sport athlete in high school, Wilson was a three-time all-state and all-conference performer in basketball and a four-year letterwinner for Lincoln Christian High School. At 6,3", she gives the Tigers added height in the paint and depth on the bench.

The Schedule
The young Tigers will be able to gain experience and confidence early in the season as Mizzou combines a mixture of home contests and away tournaments in the non-conference schedule.

The slate features tournaments at Florida International and Virginia and the Tigers's own Missouri Tiger Classic before heading into the heart of conference action.

Always one of the tougher conference's in the nation, this season is no exception as the Big 12 features four different schools that are ranked in the preseason top-25.