The Maneater -- Special Section -- Basketball Preview 2009

basketball' preview

09

the maneater Vol. 76, Issue 23 — November 13, 2009

2 the maneater

BASKETBALL FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009

Conference stats 2009-2010 Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll 1. Kansas (11 first place votes) 2. Texas (1 first place vote) 3. Oklahoma 4. Kansas State 5. Texas A&M 6. Oklahoma State 7. Missouri 8. Iowa State 9. Texas Tech 10. Baylor 11. Nebraska 12. Colorado

121 111 95 92 74 69 66 57 34 33 27 13

team-by-team Baylor Bears

2008-09 record: 24-15 (5-11 Big 12) Coach: Scott Drew (seventh season; 81-95 record at BU) Starters lost: 3 Starters returning: 2 Top returning scorer: Junior guard LaceDarius Dunn (15.7 ppg)

Colorado Buffaloes

2008-09 record: 9-22 (1-15 Big 12) Coach: Jeff Bzdelik (third season; 21-42 record at CU) Starters lost: 1 Starters returning: 4 Top returning scorer: Junior guard Cory Higgins (17.4 ppg)

Iowa State

2008-09 record: 15-17 (4-12 Big 12) Coach: Greg McDermott (fourth season; 44-51 record at ISU) Starters lost: 1 Starters returning: 4 Top returning scorer: Junior forward Craig Brackins (20.2 ppg)

Kansas Jayhawks

2008-09: 27-8 (14-2 Big 12) Coach: Bill Self (seventh season; 169-40 record at KU) Starters lost: 0 Starters returning: 5 Top returning scorer: Senior guard Sherron Collins (18.9 ppg)

Kansas State Wildcats

2008-09: 22-12 (9-7 Big 12) Coach: Frank Martin (third season; 43-24 Big 12) Starters lost: 1 Starters returning: 4 Top returning scorer: Senior guard Denis Clemente (15.0 ppg)

Nebraska Cornhuskers

2008-09: 18-13 (8-8 Big 12) Coach: Doc Sadler (fourth season; 55-40 record at NU) Starters lost: 4 Starters returning: 1 Top returning scorer: Senior guard Sek Henry (8.0 ppg)

Oklahoma Sooners

2008-09: 30-6 (13-3 Big 12) Coach: Jeff Capel (fourth season; 69-33 record at OU) Starters lost: 3 Starters returning: 2 Top returning scorer: Sophomore guard Willie Warren (14.6 ppg)

Oklahoma State Cowboys

2008-09: 23-12 (9-7 Big 12) Coach: Travis Ford (second season; 23-12 record at OSU) Starters lost: 2 Starters returning: 3 Top returning scorer: Junior guard James Anderson (18.2 ppg)

Texas Longhorns

2008-09: 23-12 (9-7 Big 12) Coach: Rick Barnes (12th season; 270-105 record at UT) Starters lost: 1 Starters returning: 4 Top returning scorer: Senior guard/forward Damion James (15.4 ppg)

Texas A&M Aggies

2008-09: 24-10 (9-7 Big 12) Coach: Mark Turgeon (third season; 49-21 record at TA&M) Starters lost: 2 Starters returning: 3 Top returning scorer: Senior guard Donald Sloan (11.8 ppg)

Texas Tech Red Raiders

2008-09: 14-19 (3-13 Big 12) Coach: Pat Knight (third season; 18-26 record at TTU) Starters lost: 1 Starters returning: 4 Top returning scorer: Junior guard John Roberson (13.9 ppg)

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BASKETBALL

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009

The leaves have changed color and fallen as the chill of winter lies in the not-too-distant future.

In other words, BASKETBALL SEASON is upon us. Missouri is coming off one of

the MOST SUCCESSFUL seasons in SCHOOL HISTORY. The 2008-2009 season saw the Tigers go UNDEFEATED at home, capture a

Big 12 Tournament CHAMPIONSHIP and make a run to the Elite Eight.

What does this season have in store?

THAT REMAINS TO BE SEEN. Get a quick look at this year's squad with the following facts: 2008 record: 31-7 (lost in Elite Eight to Connecticut) Coach: Mike Anderson (fourth season at Missouri) Record at MU: 65-35 Who's gone: DeMarre Carroll, Matt Lawrence, Leo Lyons and Mike Anderson Jr. Who's back: J.T. Tiller, Zaire Taylor, Keith Ramsey, Justin Safford, Jarrett Sutton, Steve Moore, Kim English, Laurence Bowers, Marcus Denmon and Miguel Paul Who's new: Michael Dixon Jr., Tyler Stone, John Underwood Rankings AP Poll: 45th (receiving eight votes) Coaches Poll: 32nd (receiving 28 votes) ESPN The Magazine: 14th Big 12 Preseason Coaches Poll: seventh in Big 12 Number of 2009 NCAA Tournament teams on schedule: seven (eight if Missouri plays Mississippi State in South Padre Island Invitational) Number of opponents ranked in AP Top 25: four (five if Missouri plays Mississippi State in South Padre Island Invitational) Freshman forward John Underwood

— Sean Leahy, sports editor

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BASKETBALL

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009

No. 24

No. 23 Kim English

Justin Safford

sophomore, guard

junior, forward

Height: 6 feet, 6 inches Weight: 200 pounds Hometown: Baltimore

Height: 6 feet, 8 inches Weight: 230 pounds Hometown: bloomington, ill.

Points per game (2008-09): 6.5 Rebounds per game (2008-09): 1.6 Assists per game (2008-09): 1.1

Points per game (2008-09): 3.4 Rebounds per game (2008-09): 2.0 Assists per game (2008-09): .7

Pregame routine:

Pregame routine:

"Be the first one out. Then shooting."

"I take a shower before every game. And then I just listen to music.

Just relaxing and stretching before I hit the court."

Toughest place to play in the Big 12:

Toughest place to play in the Big 12:

"I think they're all the same."

Favorite Missouri basketball moment:

"Probably in Lawrence or Manhattan."

"Marcus Denmon's three-quarters court shot"

Favorite part about playing basketball:

Favorite Missouri basketball moment: "Zaire (Taylor's) shot versus Kansas (on Feb. 10). That was something else."

"Hearing the ball bounce."

Favorite part about playing basketball:

"He Got Game"

"Here, you get to come in and be around a great group of guys. That helps a lot because it can be stressful being a college athlete."

Favorite basketball movie:

Favorite basketball movie:

"I guess I'll be clichĂŠ and say 'Hoosiers.' "

Meet the players — Sean Leahy and Evan Glantz, of The Maneater staff

No. 4

No. 11 J.T. Tiller

Zaire Taylor

senior, guard

senior, guard

Height: 6 feet, 3 inches Weight: 200 pounds Hometown: Marietta, Ga.

Height: 6 feet, 4 inches Weight: 189 pounds Hometown: staten island, n.y.

Points per game (2008-09): 8.4 Rebounds per game (2008-09): 3.4 Assists per game (2008-09): 3.6

Points per game (2008-09): 6.7 Rebounds per game (2008-09): 3.0 Assists per game (2008-09): 3.4

Pregame routine:

Pregame routine:

"I go home, get dressed in black and gold. I like to put on some jeans and my letter jacket and get my iPod."

"After the shoot around we have in the afternoon, Kim (English) and I just stay in the gym and watch ESPN and college basketball and wait for the game to start."

Toughest place to play in the Big 12: "It has to be a tie between K-State and Kansas"

Favorite Missouri basketball moment: "Beating Kansas at home last year. I felt what the fans felt. I felt that everyone in the arena, everyone on the floor became one big family out there."

Favorite part about playing basketball:

"Being able to get my energy out and being able to do something I love."

Favorite basketball movie: "Above the Rim"

Toughest place to play in the Big 12: "Kansas State."

Favorite Missouri basketball moment: "The game-winning shots against Texas and KU last year."

Favorite part about playing basketball: "Everything."

Favorite basketball movie: "White Men Can't Jump"

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BASKETBALL

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009

Tigers look to keep the ball rolling Missouri is looking to repeat last year's success.

EVAN GLANTZ Staff Writer The 2008-2009 season was an exceptional one for Missouri basketball.

Not only did the Tigers set a new school record with 31 wins (including a 19-game home winning streak), but the team won the Big 12 Tournament and advanced all the way to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament after being picked to finish seventh in the conference.

Now the question becomes how, with a relatively inexperienced team, the Tigers will rebound.

"We're just trying to find our own identity as a team," junior forward Justin Safford said. "I think the only thing that's different this year is that we've got a target on our backs. Everybody is going to kind of be playing last year's team, which is good.

As a player, that's something you look forward to. So I don't think there's any pressure to live up to last year."

Safford and others, such as sophomore guards Kim English and Marcus Denmon and senior forward Keith Ramsey, will be some of the beneficiaries of the turnover from a year ago.

Whereas last season they played more of a supporting role, this year they will be featured as some of the core play-

ers. Part of their responsibilities will be to shoulder some of the load left behind by the graduating seniors.

"These guys are going to be a year older," coach Mike Anderson said. "A guy like Keith Ramsey, he gets a chance to really play some minutes. I think you'll see our whole team step up. But I think it's going to be very much like it was last year."

The Tigers have lost some offensive firepower that needs to be replaced.

Missouri's top scorers last year — DeMarre Carroll, Leo Lyons and Matt Lawrence — have all moved on.

That leaves senior guard J.T. Tiller as the top-returning scorer, with 8.4 points per game.

Even with the question marks on the offensive side of the ball, Anderson is not worried.

"Everybody is worried about the offense," Anderson said.

"I don't worry about the offense. My biggest deal is our defense. I think if our defense continues to be solid and consistent, then the offense will take care of itself because we will continue to play the ultimate team game."

His team has bought into the philosophy wholeheartedly.

"I'm a believer in the system," English said. "This team thrives on the system Coach has us play. I think it's the team, more than the players. So it should be a lot of the same this year.

There will be a lot of assists, a lot of steals, a lot of threes, a lot of fouls. A Mike Anderson team

FOR STARTERS Here is a breakdown of the stats from the 2008-2009 season of Missouri’s projected starters: Pts. Reb. Ast. Stl. Min.

Keith Ramsey

3.6

2.7

0.8 0.6 13.7

Justin Safford

3.4

2.0

0.7 0.4

Kim English

6.5

1.6

1.1 0.5 14.4

Zaire Taylor

6.7

6.7

3.4 1.4 26.4

J. T. Miller

8.4

8.4

3.6 1.8 24.8

9.4

SPENCER PEARSON/GRAPHICS ASSISTANT

is always the same. We're going to be a hard-nosed, blue collar, defensive team, and run teams out of here."

As confident as the Tigers are in their ability to repeat their success, others are not sold.

For a second straight year, Missouri has been picked to finish seventh in the Big 12.

"It doesn't irk us at all," Tiller said. "There's always motivation out there. We can only handle what we can control. And this time it's just what we can do in practice today."

The players are confident going into the season, and Anderson said he likes the direction in which his team is going.

"No. 1 is that this team is built on respect and trust," Anderson said. "I talked about the two things that are important from day one, relationships and communication. But I think we build trust, not only on the floor. These guys really like one another. When you look on the floor, they're trusting each other."

DANN WUNDERLICH/SENIOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The basketball team gathers together in a huddle before playing Truman State last Friday at Mizzou Arena. The Tigers are coming off one of the most successful seasons in team history.

Missouri riding wave of fan support at home As the Tigers piled up wins last year, the crowds got bigger and louder.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Here are the six longest winning streaks in Missouri history: 35

SEAN LEAHY Sports Editor Missouri guard Zaire Taylor said he noticed the difference one day last January.

Then a junior, Taylor and Missouri were set to take on the Baylor Bears in a game Jan. 31 at Mizzou Arena.

Although the Tigers were three days removed from a loss at Kansas State, they were 13-0 at home.

On the strength of senior forward Leo Lyons' 30 points, Missouri won handily 89-72 in front of 15,061 fans — the first sellout of the season.

Three more sellouts followed and Missouri ended the season a perfect 18-0 at home.

"I think the Baylor game really set the tone," Taylor said.

"Some of the players went in the stands with the fans and celebrated with the fans and showed them how much it meant that we all won the game. Not just the players, the stadium won the game."

This year's Missouri team carries many legacies — including a Big 12 Tournament title and a run to the Elite Eight — but one of them is still living: a 19-game home win-

34 30

29 25

20

23

22

21

19

15

10

5

0

1988-90 1980-82 1974-76 1919-21 1987-88 2007-09

KATIE PRINCE/GRAPHICS ASSISTANT

ning streak that dates back to near the end of the 2007-2008 season.

The mark stands as the seventh-best streak in the nation and the sixth-best mark in Missouri history.

If Missouri sweeps its nonconference home schedule, the streak would be pushed to 29 straight — tied for the second-best streak in team history.

If the Tigers want to replicate their historic 2008-2009 campaign, they know it all starts at home.

"Coach (Mike Anderson) says as long as we get every game at home and split some on the road, we'll be top in the nation, and we'll be there at the end of the year," sophomore guard Miguel Paul said.

MANEATER FILE PHOTO

J.T. Tiller and DeMarre Carroll celebrate with Zou Crew members last year after a win against Baylor. Last season, Mizzou Arena sold out four basketball games.

Apart from Missouri's freshmen, Taylor, Paul, sophomore guard Kim English, sophomore guard Marcus Denmon and sophomore forward Laurence Bowers have never lost at Mizzou Arena.

Paul would like to keep it that way.

"It feels good," Paul said. "Me and Kimmie, we joke a lot talking about how we haven't lost at Mizzou Arena yet, so hopefully in four years we never lose here."

As much as the focus has been on the court, Missouri has also noticed the transformation in the stands during the streak.

As the streak got longer,

the crowds got bigger — and louder.

"It's starting to be electric in there," Anderson said. "Even as a coach, I look over there and get excited, so I know it takes the players to another level.

It shows when they play. That extra loose ball, they're going to go get it."

Following the Baylor victory, Mizzou Arena was packed to capacity for games against Kansas on Feb. 9, Nebraska on Feb. 14 and Oklahoma on March 4.

For Taylor, a full house could be the difference to getting that extra push of effort.

"The adrenaline gets going more," Taylor said. "You feel

like you can maybe run faster, jump higher, the basket gets little wider."

Early attendance numbers point toward the trend continuing.

The Black and Gold Game drew twice as many people as it did last year, and the Tigers' exhibition opener against Truman State on Nov. 6 drew a bigger crowd than some early regular season games last season.

"The relationship we are building with fans and even the Black and Gold Game turnout — stuff like that is amazing," Taylor said.

The streak was born near the end of an ugly season to forget in 2007-2008.

Off-the-court incidents and a pedestrian record put the Tigers in the police blotter and out of the NCAA Tournament.

But from that disappointment rose hope.

After Missouri fell to Oklahoma State at Mizzou Arena on Feb. 26, 2008, it bounced back with a win over Iowa State in its next home game, and the streak had begun.

Although the team still has a way to go to get to the teamrecord 34-game win streak set from 1988-1990, the Tigers are content to be on the prowl and have the fans join them.

"Just to be in an atmosphere like this is special," Taylor said.

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Schedule Sunday 1

2

8

9

15

Missouri beat up California in last year's Big12/Pac10 match-up, and it will be looking for more of the same against the Ducks. Oregon limped to an 8-23 overall record and last-place finish in the Pac-10 last season after back-to-back trips to the NCAA Tournament.

Oregon returns five starters, including senior guard Tajuan Porter, who averaged 14.6 points per game last season. Coupled with at least one game against a team from the SEC, this should serve as one of Missouri's early primers against a team from a major conference.

Monday

November 2009 Tuesday

16

22

vs. Texas-Pan American*

5

10

11

12

18

19

24

25

6

Friday

vs. Truman State W, 96-33 (exhibition)

13

14

21 28

27 27

26

vs. Richmond/ Mississippi State*

vs. Old Dominion*

30

29

Saturday

7

vs. Northwest Missouri State

20

vs. Chattanooga*

*South Padre Island Invitational game

Sunday

Monday

December 2009 Tuesday

Wednesday 1

Thursday 2

Friday

3

4

9

10

Saturday

at Vanderbilt

5

4

6

8

7

at Oral Roberts

vs. Oregon +

12

11

18

19

25

26

Arkansas-Pine Bluff

13

14

15

16

17

20

21

22

23

24

27

28

29

30

31

vs. Illinois (in St. Louis)

vs. Austin Peay + Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series

Sunday

Monday

vs. UMKC

January 2010 Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 1

Saturday

2

vs. Georgia

3

4

5

7

6

9

8

vs. Savannah State

10

11

17

18

12

13

19

20

at Texas Tech

vs. Kansas State

14

15

16

21

22

23

at Oklahoma

vs. Nebraska

24/31

25

26

27

30

29

28

vs. Oklahoma State

at Kansas

Sunday 1

For the first time ever, Missouri will go into the Big 12 Tournament looking to defend its title.

The tourney starts today at the Sprint Center in Kansas City and the Tigers will look to make it back-to-back tournament championships.

The last team to pull such a feat was Kansas. The Jayhawks took three in a row from 200608 after winning the first three tournaments from 1997-99.

In fact, winning streaks have become a trend in the Big 12 Tournament. Every champion except for one has gone on to win the title at least a second time in a row. Only 2000 winner Iowa State was a one-and-done champ.

Thursday

4

vs. TennesseeMartin

23

Wednesday

3

17 17

vs. Fairleigh Dickinson

After beating Kansas in a thriller in their first match-up last year, the Tigers labored in Lawrence, Kan., falling to the Jayhawks 90-65. This year, the rivalry should be even stronger, as Missouri tries to build on its success from a year ago, while Kansas tries to maintain its dominance in the Big 12 and in the country. KU was picked to finish first in the conference.

Two key cogs return for the Jayhawks — senior guard Sherron Collins and junior center Cole Aldrich. Collins averaged 18.9 points per game last year, and Aldrich averaged a double-double per game. Both are preseason All-Americans.

Winning at Kansas is always a tall order. If the Tigers can find success in Kansas, it could have big implications on the balance of power in the Big 12.

the maneater 9

BASKETBALL

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009

Monday

February 2010 2

Tuesday

Wednesday 3

4

11

12

13

18

19

20

vs. Texas A&M

7

8

9

10

14

15

16

17

vs. Iowa State

Thursday

5

Friday

6

21

22

24

23

26

25

at Colorado

at Baylor

27

at Kansas State

vs. Colorado

28

Sunday 1

Monday

March 2010

2

Tuesday

Wednesday 3

4

Thursday

5

8

9

Saturday

6

vs. Kansas

at Iowa State

7

Friday

10

Big 12 Tournament (Kansas City)

11

12

Missouri opens Big 12 play against a Wildcats team picked to finish fourth in conference in the Preseason Big 12 Coaches Poll.

Senior guard Denis Clemente is the top returning scorer for Kansas State and will be joined in the starting lineup by a mostly-veteran group of players.

The Wildcats will be tested in their non-conference schedule, with Xavier and UNLV on the slate.

Last year Missouri split the two games with Kansas State, with each team winning at home.

The Tigers tripped up K-State for a 94-74 victory at Mizzou Arena last season but, with another year under its belt, the Wildcats should provide a challenge for Missouri's conference opener.

Saturday

at Nebraska

vs. Texas

Since the Braggin' Rights Game started in 1980, Missouri and Illinois have played each other 28 times. The Tigers have not beaten Illinois in this decade, as their last win in the series came in 1999.

Last year, after cracking the AP Top 25, the Tigers laid an egg at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, losing by a score of 75-59. Overall, Missouri has struggled to an 8-20 record against Illinois. In addition to dropping the past nine, the Tigers have lost 11 of the past 14 games against the Illini.

This year, coach Mike Anderson and his squad will look to reverse the trend. Illinois has plenty of experience on their roster, which could pose problems for the relatively young Tiger team.

13

Last year was a tale of two different games in the Tigers against Nebraska. In its first conference game of the year, Missouri dropped a close contest in Lincoln, Neb., 56-51. But the Tigers took care of business in Columbia later in the year, downing the Cornhuskers 70-47.

This year, things should be different. A year after finishing eighth in the Big 12 at 18-13 overall and 8-8 in conference play, the Huskers have been picked to come in 10th. A lot of that has to do with the relative inexperience of the team. Of its 12 players, eight are underclassmen. The Tigers have a similar issue, so it should be interesting to see the teams match up later in the season as the younger players have had time to develop.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2009

BASKETBALL

the maneater 11

staff predictions Mary Daly

managing editor Record: 23-8 Big 12 record: 11-5 Team MVP: Senior guard J.T. Tiller Most improved: Sophomore center Steve Moore Biggest surprise: Taking down KU. Dare to dream...

Where will this team go? NCAA Tournament Biggest matchup: Kansas on March 6

Will Guldin CSN editor

Record: 23-8 Big 12 record: 12-4 Team MVP: Senior guard Zaire Taylor Most improved: Sophomore center Steve Moore Biggest surprise: Sweet 16 appearance Where will this team go? All the way!

Biggest matchup: Kansas on March 6

Zach Toombs

university news editor Record: 25-6 Big 12 record: 11-5 Team MVP: sophomore guard Kim English Most improved: Sophomore forward laurence bowers Biggest surprise: Freshman guard Michael Dixon becoming a legitimate threat as a true freshman.

Where will this team go? NCAA Tournament Biggest matchup: Kansas on March 6

Chase Koeneke MOVE editor

Record: 22-9 Big 12 record: 11-5 Team MVP: Senior guard j.t. tiller Most improved: Sophomore center Steve Moore Biggest surprise: How differently teams will play us this year. Last year, we surprised a lot of people with our new aggressive style, but teams are going to be ready for us this time.

Where will this team go? I think we'll still make the big dance, probably at a No. 8 or 9 seed.

Biggest matchup: Illinois on Dec. 23

Laura Swan copy chief

Record: 20-11 Big 12 record: 9-7 Team MVP: Sophomore guard Kim English Most improved: Sophomore forward Laurence Bowers Biggest surprise: Sophomore guard Miguel Paul Where will this team go? NIT Biggest matchup: Kansas on March 6

Krissy Tripp

student organizations editor Record: 21-10 Big 12 record: 10-6 Team MVP: Sophomore guard Kim English Most improved: Sophomore forward Laurence Bowers Biggest surprise: Freshman guard Michael Dixon Where will this team go? NCAA tournament Biggest matchup: Illinois on Dec. 23

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