Jan. 30, 2008

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Columbia, Mo. - Missouri Head Coach Mike Anderson

Opening Statement:

"First of all, let me talk about some things that have taken place, stories have been written and I want to address that before we get started, and then I want to just talk strictly about basketball. When I took the job on day one, I talked about the opportunity to come in and bring an exciting brand of basketball that I think our fans really enjoy. It's predicated on defense and our kids really getting after it. And we're bringing in kids that will represent this university in a first class manner, on and off the floor. They're going to do the right things, and they're going to have fun, and when they leave here they're going to be productive citizens. That's the one thing I talk about. That was my vow to the fans here; and to the university and the administration when I came here. I have not changed from day one. I know there have been events that have taken place, even the one that took place here recently, where we had to suspend five guys. One thing is, in every decision I've made, I talk about being a big family; I'm like these guys' father. So when kids make mistakes, you have to discipline them. That's part of it. With that being said, in every situation, I get all the facts and look at them. Then I make my decision. Even as far as with my son, Michael Anderson, he's been involved in an incident. That's my son. Discipline has been dealt with. We dealt with it and Mike has done the things he's supposed to do. Did you hear about how Michael Jr. is getting ready to graduate? Do you think he's going to be a productive citizen? I think so. Kalen Grimes, you know, was disciplined and now he's off the team. Kalen continued. We allowed him to have his scholarship. Kalen Grimes will walk in May. Kalen Grimes will be a productive citizen. All of these incidents have been separate. The way they happened is unfortunate. DeMarre Carroll happens to be a victim, [he is] scheduled to graduate. These are kids we're talking about. My job is more than just to coach. I also want those kids to get degrees, I also want to teach them too. I'm trying to teach them about life. And so the latest episode with the young men; they broke team rules. With that being said, they've been suspended indefinitely. Now how long that's going to last? It may be one game. Right now they're going through a series of things that they've got to do; and you know what? Those guys are in line to graduate; they're walking in May. What gets lost, is that they're still kids; they're kids, they make mistakes. We're grown-ups, we make mistakes. I think the most important thing is that kids need to learn from it. The ignorant thing to do, is to throw someone under the bus, and you'll ruin that kid's life. I know you guys [the media] have got your jobs; I've got a passion about what I do, I'll make that statement too. I've got a passion for what I do. These kids are my family, so with that being said; I'm going to try to do the best I can for my family. They've got a job to do. So when I look at some of the stories that were written about this and that, the thing I always say is, 'They broke a team rule.' In all kinds of stories and rumors, a lot of them are incorrect. Those guys have a certain suspension, it will be evaluated, and it's a possibility they could be back before the Kansas State game, and I'll make that statement. With that being said, now we can talk about Nebraska."

Nebraska Head Coach Doc Sadler

On the team confidence:
"We're shaky right now, and you have to expect that after the previous losses that we have had recently. Tonight, we won and didn't play very well. I thought the difference was that we got more aggressive at the end of the game."

On the pressure that Nebraska faced tonight:
"I thought we did a nice job handling the pressure tonight. It was a tough place to play with the crowd, and I give credit to Missouri's players on the pressure they were facing tonight."

On preparing for the game tonight:
"I had no idea what to do at the last second, but we got it figured out. We originally worked on getting the ball to the inside, but then found out that Stefhon (Hannah) was not going to play, and he is so active on the floor. We had already practiced for that, and then I found out on the plane about the other [Missouri players] that were not playing. They have good players. J.T. Tiller is a good player. So is Keon Lawrence and Matt Lawrence."

On the atmosphere of the locker room after the victory:
"Exciting! I told my team that we do not have any money in the bank. We have no money to withdraw, so it was time to put some money in the bank."