Columbia, Mo. – Mike Anderson is bringing his swarming style of defense and fast-paced play to the University of Missouri.
Anderson was hired as Missouri’s basketball coach Sunday, taking over after Quin Snyder’s resignation last month.
Anderson, who led Alabama-Birmingham to a 24-7 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance this season, is the first permanent African-American head coach at Missouri, although Melvin Watkins served as interim coach after Snyder’s resignation.
Anderson was also a former assistant to Nolan Richardson at Arkansas and played for Richardson at Tulsa.
As head coach at UAB for four years, Anderson had an 89-41 record with three NCAA Tournament appearances. UAB lost to Kentucky in the first round this season.
The Tigers (12-16, 5-12 Big 12 in 2005-06) have not been to the NCAA Tournament since 2003, and this season finished next to last in the conference.
Alabama-Birmingham was 13-17 the season before Anderson arrived and 21-13 in his initial season, 2002-03.
“That particular city (Birmingham) is energized, it is on fire down there about the fastest 40 minutes in basketball,” Anderson said. “I can honestly say we’re going to bring the fastest 40 minutes of basketball to Mizzou.”
