Mizzou Basketball

[stlfisher]

Anyone else watching the games the last two nights? Dang they looked good in two blowout wins. They are fun to wach as well and much more disciplined than last year. Let's hope they can keep it rolling all year...could be a good one.

[TroutRinger]

It's going to be interesting and exciting. Several writers at the Eastcoast Sports Network (I mean ESPN) think they belong in the Top 10. While they might, I don't see them actually jumping that far. If they beat Villanova, then it will happen.

[Al Agnew]

ESPN did a poll before the season and something like 78% of Mizzou fans wanted Coach Haith fired. I suspect that the vast majority have changed their minds.

In the best year or two, Mike Anderson's teams were a lot of fun to watch. But as somebody on another board I read said, Anderson was a one trick pony. Last year he simply didn't have all the parts he needed for his full court press--he didn't have a quick, hard-working, long-armed player to anchor the press in the backcourt like a DeMarre Carroll. So the press was continually beaten even with the quick guards Mizzou had, and once it was beaten it was either a lay-up on the other end or a foul on whichever big man was back to defend. It was obvious pretty much from the start, but either Anderson simply refused to change, or he didn't know what to do, or he was already bagging it in preparation for the move to Arkansas.

At any rate, pretty much these same guys had a terrible half court defense, a horrible half court offense, and no discipline last year. English was either playing scared or trying too hard, and the others were about the same, with the exception of Denmon. And...you can probably lay most of it on the coach, because this year they are playing very, very well in the half court, both defense and offense, and the game plan has played to their abilities instead of trying to fit them into a game plan that they weren't suited for.

I'm liking Haith, and I'm really liking this team. Their only weakness will probably be the scarcity of big men. An elite team with excellent, quick guards AND tough big men will be trouble for them, but as long as they keep playing as they are now, it will take truly elite teams to beat them. The key to the season might just turn out to be Kadeem Green. Since he's played little in over a year and a half, he may just be exceedingly rusty and will improve as the season goes along. If he can get to where he'll give them 15 or 20 minutes without an obvious fall-off in their play, this team could go deep in the tournament.

Geez, what would they be with Bowers?

[stlfisher]

Yeah, the loss of Bowers is going to hurt...unless Green can step it up. As you mentioned an elite team with size may give them trouble. I agree Haith was not liked at first but winning has certainly changed that for the time being. It is going to be fun a team watch. English looks like a different player this year and you really have to question Anderson's coaching last year. It looks like a different team under Haith. Even SLUH looks good under Majerus this year...they may be a tourney team this year as well.

[Al Agnew]

SLU just demolished Oklahoma. They are looking very good, good enough to go at least a couple games deep into the tournament. Conklin is an inside beast at 6'6" and they have several good outside shooters. And they are playing very good defense. They've probably played a tougher schedule than Mizzou so far and are undefeated. College basketball is alive and well in MO this year!

[Justin Spencer]

Don't leave Missouri State out of discussion either, haven't really played anyone, but won a all but the last one in blowouts. I think Mizzou has as good a chance as anyone at winning the Big 12, what a fun trophy for them to have as they leave for the SEC. Have Faith in Haith!

[Al Agnew]

Yeah, and Southeast MO State gave Mizzou the toughest game they've had so far. They looked pretty good in that game.

[moguy1973]

Even St Louis University is ranked this week. They've looked good as well winning their last tourney in handy fashion.

[joeD]

I love it fellas! College basketball rules. Having Mizzou and SLU playing at high levels IS exciting. I have some reservations about the Tigers' size and rebounding, and SLUs lack of athleticism, but...you can't deny the positive vibes concerning "our" teams. Should be fun. More to come.

PS: Look at all the analyses pre-playoff of the baseball Cardinals. It just goes to show, throw the ball out, and let'em play. Answers are hashed out on the field of play.

[Al Agnew]

SLU threw craps last night. I suspect they were fatigued...they played a bunch of games in a very short time, and the way they have to play defense takes a lot out of you.

I watched part of the Ohio State-Duke game last night, and while you can see that those two teams were full of terrific players, I didn't think either of them played as well as a team as I've seen Mizzou and SLU play this year, nor did they play as tight a defense. If mid-major teams can make it to final four and beat elite teams like those, it's possible for a team like Mizzou or SLU to do it if everything goes right for them.