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Missouri Tigers (Last Year: 23-11, 10-6 in Big 12)
2010-11 Projected Depth Chart:
F/C: Laurence Bowers (So)/Steve Moore (Jr)/John Underwood (So)
PF: Justin Safford (Sr)/Ricardo Ratliffe (Jr)/Kadeem Green (Fr)
G/F: Kim English (Jr)/Ricky Kreklow (Fr)
SG: Marcus Denmon (Jr)/Matt Pressey (Jr)
PG: Michael Dixon (So)/Phil Pressey (Fr)
Gone: G-J.T. Tiller. G-Zaire Taylor, F/C-Keith Ramsey, G-Miguel Paul (transfer-East Carolina), F-Tyler Stone (transfer-SE Missouri State)
2010-11 Outlook:
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Mike Anderson’s “40 Minutes of Hell” style of basketball has gotten the job done at Missouri the past several seasons to the point where Anderson’s name has become a hot commodity in the college coaching circle. With players who fit this full-court attack mode, the Tigers should once again cause a nuisance in the Big 12.
Mizzou loses three starters to graduation and one player to transfer who fully embodied this method, but returns six players who saw significant playing time since Anderson had a deep 10-man rotation. The Tigers also bring in a talented mix of recruits who should fill the void of those players who are no longer on the roster.
The top three scorers are back led by swingman Kim English who averaged 14 points despite playing just 24 minutes a game. He will be joined in the backcourt by the team’s second-leading scorer and top three-point shooter Marcus Denmon. Sophomore Michael Dixon will share minutes at the point with playmaking freshman Phil Pressey. Phil’s older brother Matt will also step into the rotation after transferring in from a junior college.
Laurence Bowers and Justin Safford each found themselves in the starting lineup at times last season and should be staples there this year. Bowers uses his athleticism on the glass but can also step outside and knock down jump shots as can Safford who is a talented low-post scorer. Six-foot-nine, 270-pounder Steve Moore brings some muscle to the inside, while JUCO transfer Ricardo Ratliffe should also be an immediate contributor who should thrive in a fast paced style of play.
Due to academic reasons, highly recruited small forward Tony Mitchell was not able to enroll at Mizzou for the fall semester and is hoping to join the team in the spring. He can be an impact player, but it is unknown as to how he will fit in with the team once he arrives on campus and if he will even suit up or possibly take a redshirt.
Regardless of who they are playing, Missouri will have a chance to win this season due to their full-court defensive pressure and up-tempo offense. If they can get you to try and play their brand of ball, you are in trouble. I am not sure they can catch Kansas State or Kansas, but the Tigers will be a dangerous team nonetheless.
Player to Watch: Phil Pressey, PG
Despite being just 5-10, Pressey is ready to make his mark at Mizzou. The son of former NBA’er Paul Pressey (who was Mike Anderson’s roommate at Tulsa) is lightning quick with the basketball and has outstanding vision in the open court. Both of those attributes should help him excel in “40 Minutes of Hell.” He has competition at the point by Michael Dixon but regardless of whether or not Pressey starts, the frosh will see quality playing time due to the Tigers’ tendency to go deep on their bench.
Key Non-Conference Games:
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