By Andrew Melroe, Mizzou Strategic Communications

COLUMBIA, Mo. - There has been no shortage of production from Mizzou Men's Basketball's underclassmen so far this season. With nine first or second-year student-athletes on Mizzou's roster, it comes as no surprise that 78.8 percent of the Tigers' points this season (257-of-326) have come from freshmen or sophomores.

With so little in-game experience on the Tigers' team, challenges have presented themselves.

"It's a learning experience," freshman guard Terrence Phillips (Orange County, Calif.) said. "Being a freshman, there will be some mistakes, but we work on minimizing those mistakes in practice every day."

Phillips credits Mizzou assistant coach Rob Fulford on helping him get through those learning experiences he has faced so far in his first season in the Black & Gold.

"He's my right hand guy," Phillips said. "He is there for me when I make bad plays, he is there for me when I make good plays. We have conversations every day on what we can do to get better. It meant a lot to me for him to recruit me to Mizzou and believe I can help this program."

Mizzou's leading scorer, freshman forward Kevin Puryear (Blue Springs, Mo.) has enjoyed being a part of the program from the start.

"It's a dream come true running through the tunnel for every home game," Puryear said. "Contributing to the team early in my career was something I always wanted for myself. It's great to go out there and make big plays with teammates from my own class."

Puryear believes there is a connection between early playing time and the development of his and his teammates' game. That development other underclassmen around the country may not be receiving.

"I think the things we will get exposed to this season will help us in the future," Puryear said. "We have the potential to be a really good team. We need to keep working to get better every day and reach that potential."

Mizzou will return to action at Mizzou Arena on Tuesday, Dec 1. when it hosts Arkansas State. Tipoff is slated for 8 p.m. and will be broadcasted on the SEC Network.