@MizzouHoops at #SECTipoff17
10/19/2016 4:42:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Tigers represented by head coach Kim Anderson and sophomores Terrence Phillips and Kevin Puryear
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Mizzou Men's Basketball represented the Black & Gold at the annual Southeastern Conference Basketball Media Day on Wednesday (Oct. 19), this year hosted at Bridgestone Arena, the home of the 2017 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament. Head coach Kim Anderson and sophomores Terrence Phillips (Orange County, Calif.) and Kevin Puryear (Blue Springs, Mo.) made the day trip to the Music City with an idea of what can make the 2016-17 squad successful: attention to detail.
"Our approach is different," Phillips said. "Our energy is different, and our mindset is different. It started at the end of last year. From preseason workouts in the spring, and then going into the summer here having all of our guys together. Our approach from Day One has been tremendous."
Puryear, who earned SEC All-Freshman Team recognition after averaging 11.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season, has seen a positive change in focus from himself and his teammates.
"I think (Anderson) holding us accountable and us holding ourselves accountable will be extremely important for our success this season," Puryear said.
Phillips and Puryear would be some of Anderson's best experts on what it takes to find success at the SEC level. The duo were the only Tigers to start all 31 games last season. Along with Puryear's team-best scoring exploits, Phillips led the Tigers with 3.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
"We're trying to build a program," Anderson said. "We're not just trying to build one team. It's been difficult. It's a challenge. I love the challenge. I think my staff loves it."
Anderson's staff received a jolt of energy in the offseason with the additions of new strength and conditioning coach Nick Michael and assistant coach Emanuel Dildy. Early on, Anderson has credited both in helping impact the attitude and mindset of his team.
"This is a group that wants to get better," Anderson said. "They want to work hard. And most importantly, they want to be coached."
