Reporting Fact and Reporting Gossip

In the past month, the Missouri Tigers played poorly and exited both the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments early. It didn't come as a surprise, because for the last three weeks of the season they played selfishly and out of control. I am not sure why or how that happened, but the head coach of the Tigers, Mike Anderson left town and took the head job at Arkansas. So, the Tigers are looking for a new coach. I have no idea who will get the job, but I hope it is filled quickly so the recruiting process can continue. If you use Twitter or other social media, some of the so called experts blew it this week when they told their followers that it was going to be Purdue coach Matt Painter. Obviously that did not happen. The Columbia Tribune has an excellent article on how several outlets proclaimed Painter the new head coach earlier this week. To read the story CLICK HERE to get to the Columbia Daily Tribune's website.

Staying True to His Word

Mike Anderson is a man of principle. He said he wasn't interested in leaving Missouri for potential job offers at Georgia or Alabama earlier this year. And Anderson's word is good as Gold.

Anderson turned down an offer that would have had him moving to Athens, Georgia to coach the University of Georgia. Reportedly Georgia offered the Tiger's coach two million dollars a year. But, Anderson who told anyone who would listen, that he was staying at Mizzou turned down the extra cash for a chance to get his team to the Final Four. Anderson will reportedly make about 1.55 million dollars a year for the next seven years. I am not a mathmetician, but I calculate his decision to stay at Mizzou is costing him about $450,000 per season. And I dont know many people with that kind of loyalty that would pass up that much money. A lot of coaches pay lip service to staying with their recruits and building a program, but Anderson actually did costing himself and his family resources they could have used to build financial security. Coach Anderson, I respect you and admire the selfless decision you made to stay with the Tiger basketball program. You are a True Son of the University of Missouri. I salute you!

Late Thoughts on the NCAA tournament

It's taken about a week for me to get past my Missouri Tigers' loss to UConn last Saturday afternoon. I really thought the Tigers would win, but ultimately UConn was the better team that particular day. But, still it hurt to see such a fun season come to a close. I miss seeing them running up and down the floor striking fear in the eyes of their opponent. Mizzou truly was this season "The Fastest 40 Minutes in Basketball".

Having time to think about it now, I have to say this team far exceeded my expectations. After Illinois beat the tar out of Mizzou at Christmas time, I figured this was just another team of mediocre selfish players. But, they fooled me and they improved every game as the season went on.

As it turns out this is the best Mizzou team of all time. They won 31 games and made it to the Championship game of the West regional. So my hat's off to coach Mike Anderson and the Tigers.

M-I-Z Z-O-U!!!