Missouri Basketball

What They Are Saying About Mike Anderson

TUBBY SMITH - Head Coach, University of Minnesota
"Mike Anderson is a shining star. He is the total package. A man of high integrity, class, confidence -- a winner! I have battled Mike Anderson teams over the years and I can tell you that his style of play will make the Big 12 coaches feel uneasy. I have so much respect for him and when the team, the University and the fans meet him - they will too. Congratulations to Missouri on a blockbuster hire!"

NOLAN RICHARDSON - Former Head Coach, University of Arkansas
"Mike Anderson has been with me over 22 years as a player, assistant coach, and assistant head coach, and there's no question that he was a delight all the time, for all of the years we were together. I always knew that he would have the right opportunity to build a program at a place like Missouri, and that he would be a plus for any program. In my estimation he is truly one of the finest young basketball coaches around at this point in time. Secondly, I would like to congratulate Missouri for giving him this opportunity, and I have no doubt in my mind he will be very successful. My heart feels very proud to know that a young man under my tutelage for so many years has this wonderful opportunity."

JON SUNDVOLD - All-America Guard, University of Missouri
"I am excited for Mike Anderson and look forward to him re-energizing Missouri basketball."

FLOYD KEITH - Executive Director, Black Coaches Association
"I am absolutely elated that Missouri has made a decision to hire a coach who I think is going to do major things for the program there. Mike has all the qualities that Missouri was looking for, and without question, I think it's a great opportunity for both he and Missouri."

SETH DAVIS - CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, CSTV Analyst
"I think it's a brilliant hire. It reminds of when Florida hired Billy Donovan. Not only will he win, but he'll bring such an exciting style of play that it will make people want to watch. I also think that no-one in the Big 12 plays that way, and it's going to be such an advantage for Missouri, sort of like a Princeton offensive system in reverse. Mike Anderson is a very good man, a good role model, and he is extremely well-respected by his peer and my peers. Congratulations to Missouri, they have hired a good man."

JIM HANEY - Executive Director, National Association of Basketball Coaches
"Mike Anderson is a really a good person so that strikes me as the first thing I would say about him. Secondly, it's always a good thing to have your own sort of style, and he has his own style of play that I think benefits him greatly in the fact that this isn't a style that you practice against every day if you're opponent, nor is it a style played in the Big 12 Conference. He does it very well, and he comes from a rich history with Nolan Richardson, having been successful at the highest level there is. I see this as a very good hire by MU, I'm sure he'll do well."

KEVIN WEIBERG - Commissioner, Big 12 Conference
"Mike Anderson is a proven winner. His teams play a unique, entertaining style that will be fun to watch. I think Missouri fans will be impressed with how hard his teams play. We welcome him to the Big 12."

FRAN FRASCHILLA - ESPN Broadcast Analyst
"This is a `home run' hire for the Missouri Tigers. Mike Anderson is one of the most accomplished young coaches in the country and already a star in the coaching profession. As outstanding a coach as he is, Mike is even a better person. He is a man of great character and integrity."

MIKE DeCOURCY - Senior Writer, The Sporting News
"Mike energized UAB basketball in a way many thought to be impossible. He made it so people no longer wondered what UAB stood for, because they knew: It stood for intense pressure defense, selfless offense and relentless drive. Mike's style of basketball is thrilling and will be a welcome change of pace in the Big 12. If he can find a consistent source of talent for Missouri, he can be a consistent winner."

ANDY KATZ - ESPN Analyst
"Mike Anderson is a great choice because he can energize the program and the fan base with a style of play that makes it hard to leave your seat or change the channel for fear you'll miss too many possessions. Anderson raised the national profile of UAB in just three years. Give him time to do the same at Missouri."