Graham Watson: Hey everyone. Wow, I have a lot of questions today, so I'm just going to dive right in. Thanks for stopping by.

kimberly: Hello Graham, how are you?

Forgive me for always asking questions about Chase Daniel, he is my favorate player. Anwyway, I was wondering, what are his hobbies? What is his favorate food?

Vahe Gregorian: I don't know what his hobbies are. They might be in the media guide if you want to pick one of those up from the team store. As for his favorite food, I think he would tell you ice cream. He always seems to have Dairy Queen with him.

Jim hency: Has anything been decided on with regards to Temple's redshirting from the NCAA?

Vahe Gregorian: Pinkel said he expected to hear in February and the next time we'll talk to Pinkel is signing day (Feb. 6). However, as I've said before, I don't think Temple will be back regardless of whether he gets the year back.

Graham Watson: I've got slow internet here in Colorado, so please excuse the lag.

Dave W: Hi Graham, How much longer will Mizzou go with the no huddle offense? By the time they have finished sending all the signals back and forth from the sideline the defense has had plenty of time to get set. Sometimes it can hurt them when they need to drain the clock. Why not mix it up during the game. More flexibility might be a good thing. Also, isn't it a pain for the line to stay set all the while the play is being signaled and set up? Thanks, Dave in Anchorage

Vahe Gregorian: I think the no-huddle offense is here as long as Gary Pinkel is here. They've recruited kids specifically for that type of offense.

And how can the defense get set if they don;t know what Mizzou is going to run? Mizzou might come out in one formation, the signals get sent in and change it up.

How can you complain? Mizzou was one of the highest scoring offenses in the country and it won 12 games. Seems like the offense is pretty effective.

Todd: Hello Graham,
It was interesting listening to Mike Anderson being interviewed yesterday on the radio before his game last night. He was explaining that his team is always playing extremely hard. He sounded like he is getting early pressure to win games. We know they are playing hard and also playing defense for 40 minutes but until he gets “his guys” on the team they won’t be consistent night in and night out. Did people really think they were going to beat Kansas? Losing to Iowa State just shows the lack of discipline by Mr. Snyder’s great recruiting class, we will all celebrate when Quinn’s guys are gone and Mike inserts his guys to run the style of basketball we are all waiting to see.

Vahe Gregorian: I do think MA needs time to get his first real recruiting class in place. If this is the type of basketball we see in 2010, then I would expect complaining. Basketball is frustrating right now because they show flashes of being good, but they lack consistency. And yes, this team plays hard if hard means reckless. Season highs in opponent free throw attempts in each of the last three games shows that.

Alphaman: Graham,

A couple of hoops questions:

1) What is Mike Anderson saying about the large disparity in the number fouls (thus foul shots) between his team and his opponents? Is it bad footwork by his team (i.e. out of position) or bad officiating?

2) What is Anderson's plan to toughen up Leo Lyons? He played soft against Iowa State and then pouted his way through the Texas Tech game. He could take some cues from Marshall Brown in how to handle yourself in the midst of disappointment.

3) Alas even though the season is young, this team should be 3-1 in the Big XII as opposed to 1-3. I'm left looking at the 6 recruits coming in to see if there is hope next year.

Vahe Gregorian: 1. He won't comment on bad officiating, and really, you can say that after one game but not after three. Three games equals a problem with Mizzou. The Tigers are overaggressive and defend with their hands instead of their feet.

2. I don't know what to say about Leo Lyons. He has reverted back to the player he was a year ago, which is highly disappointing. Unfortunately, Leo doesn't have a lot of mental fortitude and if things don't go his way, he pouts. It's a maturity thing that you'd think, as a junior, he'd have sorted out by now. But, no...

3. I think the fear now is when does this team quit? You could see a little quit in some player's body language during Texas Tech. If Mizzou loses tomorrow at Colorado, this might be a repeat of 2005-06.

don kothe: I am a Mizzou Alum. What happened to good basketball fundamentals? We foul too much, because we do stupid one man shows, particularly with two of our guards. Lately in the last two minutes of a game as last nite against Texas Tech., our guards seem to think they are better than using four other people on the team to accomplish a win. I think we need to have statistics showing how much certain people by so-called atheletic skills throw the game away. I think our basketball program is headed for an all-time low. Do we understand what the word team means? WE do not like one-man shows. I don' care how many points a particular Guard scores, if he can't understand that it takes teamwork to win, than we don't need that guard or anyone else on the team. It's time the Alums know where the scholarship money is going and how it is administered.

Vahe Gregorian: I can;t agree with you more about the guard. Every time Stefhon Hannah starts to do his Harlem Globetrotters impression, I think everyone watching knows he's going to turn the ball over. He plays out of control a lot.

There has also been some talk of senior superiority on this team. Some of the seniors (I'd say one in particular) want to take a leadership role, but leadership means not letting some of the younger players be the type of players a lot of us know they can be (read into that how you want, I'm still working on a story about this. Should be next week).

This team will be in better hands with Keon and Marcus Denmon and Kim English and the other players coming in. The future is a lot brighter than what we're seeing now.

James: Graham,

I've been hearing about DB Trey Hobson for a while now, and about how athletic he is. I did some research - I have friends in the Kansas City area - and I found out that he is actually as good, if not a better basketball and baseball player (switch-hitter, etc.). Could you tell us more about him, and how do you think his atheticism will translate to the football field this year?

Vahe Gregorian: A lot of us though trey was going to play this year, but the depth in front of him prohibited that. He'll see the field this year. He's quick and has a good field sense. he'll jump routes and knock down passes or pick off the ball. He's a rawer version of Willie Mo, but I think with a little real-world experience, he'll be a great asset in the secondary. People will be pleasantly surprised with him. You might not get to see all he can offer until his sophomore season, but he'll see the field next year.

Chris: Why is the basketball so inconsistent? Is it something about the talent not fitting the system, or are the coaches equally perplexed?

Also did you cover basketball or football for the Missourian? If so, when?

Vahe Gregorian: Basketball is inconsistent because it doesn't have good leadership. I think Jason, Marshall and Stefhon try to be good leaders, but when they get frustrated, it filters to the rest of the team. It's easy to talk about what this team needs to do, but when you see Stefhon complain or Jason whine about a call, the rest of the team starts to feel like that, too. That's one of the biggest problems. There's not a lot of - for lack of a better term - mental toughness on this team. When things don't go Mizzou's way, there's no one who really takes control of the team and puts it on its back. I guess Stefhon tries to do it, but consistently turning the ball over in key situations kinda tarnishes that "go-to guy" label.

I covered women's basketball and softball for the Missourian in 2000-01 and men's basketball 2001-02, the year the Tigers went to the Elite Eight.

bc: Is Coach Anderson's style a good fit for the Big 12 or is it that the players that we have are not good enough to play it consistantly for the entire game? I feel like they are just good enough to get on a streak here or there, but can never sustain anything. Is this style or personel?

Vahe Gregorian: I've been wondering about MA's style for a couple weeks now, and I honestly don;t think we're seeing how this style is supposed to be executed. It looks nothing like what UAB or Arkansas did back in the day. Again, that goes back to personnel. I look at a team like Tennessee, which plays a high pressure style, and I see the potential of what MA is trying to do. However, I'm not sure any of Missouri's current starters could start for the Volunteers.

I think this year is going to continue to be rough. The postseason doesn't look good right now. If Mizzou can win at Colorado, it might gain a little traction, but games against Nebraska and Kansas State coming up aren't exactly gimmies.

Tim O'Neill: Which of the committed incoming recruits has the best cahnce for playing time next fall? Also, which of the current freshman that redshirted last fall have the best chance of playing time next fall?

Vahe Gregorian: I think Andrew Jones has a chance to play next year. other than that, it's hard to say. Mizzou's defense is pretty young and stacked. I don't see any of the current commits taking a significant role there. Gabbert might, and I stress might, see time next season, but I lean toward him redshirting and learning under Chase Daniel.

As far as the current redshirts, I mentioned Hobson earlier. I also thing De'Vion Moore (RB) will get on the field and perhaps Gilbert Moye (S). We'll also see more of Tyler Crane (DE), who played in a game last season and never really got in again. Spring football always makes these things a little clearer.

Dan: Hi Graham,

I am wondering if you have any insight on what freshmen will red shirt next year (Gabbert, Jones, exc..)

Also what are the chances of landing a impact WR for next year? ( Sederick Johnson, Aaron Boyd, ????)

Appreciate your work!

Vahe Gregorian: Read the last post for the answer to your first question.

I think there's a good chance Mizzou could get Boyd, but I think Johnson is a solid to A&M.

Art: I live on the East coast and have a hard time finding games on TV. I know I should buck up and buy a package and will do next year. Are the issues with this basketball team related to learning the Anderson/Mizzou system or are these former Snyder recruits not the right players for this system. Should one expect next year to get better with more of Anderson's recruits?

Thank you,
Art

Vahe Gregorian: These are not the right players for this system. If you've seen any previous MA-coached teams, you'll notice that Mizzou isn't running what he's used to running. This will change in the next couple years, but it's hard to break the habits that a lot of these players developed under Quin.

Brad: Graham,
It is so disappointing to see the small crowds at Mizzou Arena. I realize the Tigers are suffering growing pains right now, but where are all the fans? Even when Norm's later years teams were around .500, the crowds still nearly packed the Hearnes Ctr. No offense, but what else is there to do in Columbia, MO. when the Tigers are on the court for a home game?

Vahe Gregorian: Attendance is down all over the conference, not just Mizzou, but I agree that the crowds have been a little sad. However, Mizzou isn't exactly putting out a thrilling product. Still, if you're a fan, it shouldn't matter how good your team is. You should support them no matter what.

Sincerely,

A Texas Rangers fan

St. Louis: Graham,

A few weeks ago I heard you on KTRS--you were outstanding!! Keep up the good work and you should have your own radio show.

Has Mizzou football set the stage for future recruting success? I know winning is contagious, but how about the networking throughout the U.S. by the coaching staff? What are you hearing from others not on the Mizzou campus?

Vahe Gregorian: I think consistent winning builds recruiting success. If Mizzou is a consistent national contender then the recruits will come, there's no question about that. But if Mizzou is a one-hit wonder (ala Corey Hart or Chris De Burgh), recruiting will stay middle of the pack. Kids want to win championships. It's all about what can you do for me now, not what have you done while I was in high school. That's why Nebraska lost so many recruits this year.

Art: Sounds like Will Compton is out of the MU picture and picked the Huskers. Can you confirm?

Vahe Gregorian: Well, he reaffirmed his commitment to Nebraska. Whether he'll sign with Nebraska, I have no idea, but it is his best opportunity to play early. I have it on good authority that Mizzou did everything it could to get this kid. He just changed his mind. That happens, he's 17. Not sure what else to say about it except good luck to him.

Chris Siekerman: Graham,

With the success of Mizzou, and some very good ratings numbers in St.Louis, do you see Local TV outlets trying to pick up more games for tv? KPLR used to show Mizzou games, why not pickup any game not part of Big12 weekly package? Especially the OOC games and home games vs ISU etc.

Vahe Gregorian: Yes, winning translates into more coverage. I would think that all or at least 11 of Mizzou's games will be on TV this year.

Aaron: We have all heard the refrain that once MA gets his players we will see a huge difference. I'm sure this is true to a point. But if you don't have the guys to fit "the system" why do they keep trying to run the it? I guess my question is, how long does Mike Anderson get a free pass. Basketball at Missouri has been bad for a few years. But now the fan base, including myself, is borderline apathetic. How long before we (fans and media) take off the kid gloves and start treating mike anderson like he's a big time coach in the big 12? We haven't gotten to the point where we accept horrible basketball and give pats on the back for being nice have we?

Vahe Gregorian: How long did Pinkel get a free pass? Pinkel and Mike Alden proved this year what patience can do for a program. Sometimes schools - and fans - are too quick to look for the next best thing. Now, Mike Anderson might not be the right coach for this program, but I'm going to wait until 2010-11 before I make that judgment. That's two years with his players in place. Obviously, it's easier to turn around a basketball team than a football team because you have less guys to get on the same page.

I don't think anyone's patting MA on the back for not winning a true road game since February of last year. I think that's atrocious. But Mizzou won just five true road games in the three years prior to his arrival. I think he's won three or four, so there's something to be said for that.

This team must show some progress next season, but it's the year after that that I think is the deal breaker.

Jerry Hawley: Graham,
I love the way you cover Tiger sports, be it football or basketball. It almost seems like a coach reporting to us.

That being said, I wonder what you think about Keon Lawrence's remarks blaming the way the Tigers practice for the HUGE number of foul shots allowed the last three games. I think the young man may be on to something! Your thoughts, please?

Jerry

Vahe Gregorian: I've seen the way this team practices and he's right. They go hard and fouls are rarely called. Mike Anderson says he's trying to get this team ready to play on the road when the crowd and the refs aren't in their favor. But I think these players don't know where to draw the line between aggressiveness and recklessness. And then they whine when an obvious call goes against them.

Dwayne: Grahm

Missed ya last week!

I was looking at the ESPN.COM football recruiting page and it list 50+ players that are considering MIZZOU that are not listed as prospects by Scots or Rivals. I know we only need a few more players to complete the recruiting class, however, some of them sound like serious players we would want. Are any of them still looking at our team?

Dwayne

Vahe Gregorian: Aaron Boyd (WR) and Matt Hall (OL) are the big names Mizzou might still be able to get. I think there was a rumor about Hall not visiting this weekend, but a certain Mizzou recruiting board said there was no truth to that.

Chas Wolff: Well, definately looking to be the best recruiting class Mizzou has seen in years! Another great commitment today from J. Smith. Any idea who will be in town for visits this weekend and roughly how many spots are open?

Vahe Gregorian: I've heard there are two or three spots remaining. Those could go to Aaron Boyd and Matt Hall among others. But those are the big boys still on the recruiting board. Hall should be here this weekend, but that's been rumored to not happen. I'm going with what PM says on this one, and it says he'll be at Mizzou. Also, Daniel Jenkins, a committed OL, will be here.

MS: Hi, Graham,

I was wondering if a final decision has been made by the NCAA on whether Tony Temple will receive another year of eligibility. If not, what are his chances of being drafted? Thank you.

Vahe Gregorian: Pinkel said February, but no one, including Pinkel, is optimistic. I honestly don't think Temple will get drafted. I think he'll have to work his way onto a team through free agency. I'm not sure about his chances in the league. There's aren't a lot of backs his size with significant roles. He's not as fast as Sproles and he's not as strong as Jones-Drew. He'll really have to work to make a team.

Jason: Missed two-footers, not going up strong to the rim. It seems as though this team is soft. Your thoughts? Oh, and can we get rid of the Quin Snyder-era uniforms? It certainly has an effect on the mindset of the fans, and I believe it affects the holdover players, at least subconsciously. Thanks. . .

Vahe Gregorian: Mentally soft, yes. I don't think guys like Carroll are soft, I just don;t think he;s a very good finisher. Marshall isn't a good finisher. Leo can finish if he shows up. I think it boils down to the fact that some of these guys aren't as good as we previously thought. That's pretty much it.

As for the uniforms, I didn't notice they were the same as the QS era. I spent a lot of his final season with my head down.

jamborewe: Graham,

What is the story on Leo Lyons? He is the tallest player but won't guard the basket and then pouts when the coach benches him for it.

Also, has anyone else noticed that when the games are drawing to a close Coach Anderson seems to do more scolding than instructing compared to last year? Is he getting a little frustrated? The players might respond better if he just told them what to do at that point and scolded them later.

Vahe Gregorian: I agree with Leo. He is probably the most talented player on Mizzou's roster in terms of sheer athletic ability and he refuses to do anything with it. Mentally fragile. I don't know how you beat that out of a kid. It comes from being coddled throughout his basketball life. Lyons has admitted that he doesn't respond to being yelled at, but what else can you do at this point? It's Division I basketball. It's the Big 12. Go play intramurals brother...

If Mike Anderson isn't getting frustrated by the way his team's be finishing (or not finishing games) that's a bigger issue in itself.

Elwood: Graham,
I am assuming Dave Christensen will add new dimensions to the Offense. I think he will because it will give the Tigers another option in short yardage and red zone opportunities. It will also keep us ahead of the curve regarding other conference teams making defensive
adjustments. Do you agree with my assumption and do we have athletes on the roster that could play "fullback" in a more traditional offensive scheme?

Vahe Gregorian: I don't know about a fullback, but this offense does need a goal line package. I think we can all agree on that. There are always little tweaks that are made in the offseason and I know that will be one that's asked about during spring football. Chase Daniel is big enough that he should be able to do a quarterback sneak at the 1 or a naked bootleg keeper to the corner of the end zone.

paul: What expection as to the finish of 2008 Missouri Football do you have? Shouldn,t the team be stronger with all the returning underclassmen from 2007?

Vahe Gregorian: I think this team could be better than last year's simply because it knows what to expect now. It's been to the top of the mountain and knows what it takes to get there. The defense should be much improved and the offense will be just as strong especially if Chase Coffman can stay healthy.

Jack: Hey Graham,

What was the rationale used by MU to apply for an extra year for Gaines and Temple? On what basis were they denied by the NCAA?

Vahe Gregorian: Temple was injured his freshman season, but he was injured outside of the NCAA's range for receiving a medical hardship. It's not official that he's been denied, but we're all pretty sure it's going to happen. Mizzou was trying to get an extra year for Gaines for missing a season due to a transfer.

Snake: Graham-

Thanks once again for answering my question. This one, once again, is in regards to my friend, Cloudson. As you know by now, he's a huge Mizzou fan and is having a difficult time getting fired up about the basketball season. It's almost February, and he cannot even bring himself to pay attention to the games.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Cloudson? Maybe there is a channel that shows nothing but games from the 1993-1994 season?

Vahe Gregorian: I can understand his frustration. I get paid to watch MU's games and it gets tougher every day. I think there's needs to be a channel that shows nothing but good Mizzou basketball games to remind the fans of what this program was. However, I think Cloudson just needs to realize that Mizzou is a football school.

buddy1999: Graham,

What is going MS Watson, long time no read. Could you please tell me why I should feel this team is in a better spot this year then it was two years ago before he who should not be named left? I need all the positive talk I can get.

Thanks
Buddy1999

Vahe Gregorian: I don't know that I can tell you that this team is in a better spot than it was a year ago. There were points during the Texas Tech game where I felt like it was 2005-06 all over again. That's scary.

I think this team can be better. I'm just waiting for it to realize it can play well even when it's not playing Kansas or Texas.

Graham Watson: OK. I'm going to eat lunch and write my basketball preview. I'll be back a little later to finish the rest of the questions. Thanks for stopping by. Lots of good questions this week. Thanks again.

MUtgrs07: How many scholarships remain for the Class of 2008? In your opinion, where would you rate this recruiting class in the 1)history of MU football, 2)Big 12 North, 3)Big 12?

Thanks!

Vahe Gregorian: I would think about two or three schollie's remain for this class. I don;t think this is the best class in the history of the program, but I do think it's the best class in the history of GP. It will probably fall firs or second in the Big 12 North and probably in the top three or four in the Big 12 overall. GP's classes have had big names before, but they've always been countered by two stars. This year, he has a lot of high three-star recruits to compliment the higher star recruits.

Brian: Graham,

Football - Could you give a guess as to any juniors that may 'make the leap' their senior seasons? Similar to Pig Brown's significantly increased impact from his junior to senior year are there any guys that you feel could experience a similar increase in impact in '08?

Basketball - can you give us your take on why the Tigers are struggling to close out close games? At least to me they appear to be losing to teams that they are more talented than (Illinois, TTech, ISU to name 3). Is it the players needing a true go-to guy, coaching, etc?

Vahe Gregorian: Well, this class is a little different than last year because a lot of the guys that would "make the leap" as you term it were good as juniors this year. Guys like William Moore and Chase Coffman stand to have great senior seasons as does Chase Daniel. Ziggy Hood could be another guy to watch now that he is the leader on the defensive line.

I don't necessarily agree that Mizzou is losing to more talented teams. I do think the team doesn't have a proven go-to guy. I think a lot of guys want to be that guy, but no one has seemed to execute it. That's the problem as I see it.

MizzouMarv: I played b-ball for decades until I started getting shorter & slower so I know a little bit about the sport. I can't tell if our style won't work in the Big 12, we don't have the players to play it well enough or something else. What do you think? Also, why can't we finish the last possession of a half or game? Lastly, we have no trouble getting to the basket, but why can't we finish? Can DM dunk?

Vahe Gregorian: Yeah, I think they don't have the right players to execute the system yet. Guys like Horton, Marshall, Leo, etc., play like they played under Quin. I don't see much of a difference. Maybe they're a little better defensively, but they're still the same players.

Look at the last answer for Mizzou's inability to finish out games. As for why they can;t finish around the basket, well, I wonder that every game.

rj: hi Graham , what tiger recruit will have immediate impact next year

Vahe Gregorian: I like Andrew Jones at tight end, but I also like Wes Kemp at receiver. Mizzou is going to have some backup receivers to replace and I think that opens the door for a couple younger players such as Kemp and Rolandis Woodland.

Dave: We missed you last week. Can you explain Mizzou's attraction to Tommy Reamon the QB out of Virginia? Is he looked at as an athlete that could be plugged in at another position or as a QB? Would seem like this would be a step towards the Brad Smith type of running QB.

Vahe Gregorian: With the quarterbacks Missouri already has on the hook, I would think Reamon would get his shot at quarterback, but with a Blaine coming in this year and another Blaine coming in next year, I'm not sure he'd stay at QB. That would be up to him, of course. Mizzou is the frontrunner, but South Florida has jumped in late and has an ideal situation for Tommy. He can redshirt his first season, learn and get a chance to run the team the next year.

Alan: Graham,

What is the latest on Will Compton. I saw where our recruiting class is ranked 21st in the nation. Will would really top it off.

Vahe Gregorian: Will Compton is a solid verbal to Nebraska.

Al In Virginia: Graham:

In reading the questions today about the basketball team, it look as though many of the readers have knowledge of who has verbally committed to Mizzou for next year. However, because I am not tuned in I do not know who has committed. Can you give us a rundown or point us to someplace that I can get up to speed?

Vahe Gregorian: I'll have a recruiting story in Sunday's paper. If you can wait a day or two, it should give you all the information you need about the upcoming class. If that's doesn't work, send me an email gwatson@post-dispatch.com.

Larry M.: Hi Graham. Now that Compton has made his decision and Aaron Boyd has stated he will decide on signing day, are there any other 4-star recruits out there that Mizzou might have a shot at getting? Thanks.

Vahe Gregorian: Matt Hall might be the last big name on the list. he's supposed to be visiting this week, but he's fairly loyal to Houston Nutt.

sugar: What is the status of William Compton? Please tell me something about him; i.e. position, speed, weight, high school played for,etc.
Any other hot football prospects hanging for Mizzou?
Finally, you really do a great job and I enjoy very much reading your articles. I just wonder when you get to rest??
Sugar

Vahe Gregorian: Will Compton will sign with Nebraska. Not sure if you still care to hear his vitals, but he's from Bonne Terre North County. He's a linebacker, 6-2, 214, 4.5 speed.

The other prospect to watch is Aaron Boyd, a receiver from Kentucky.

And, I rest in June before I go back to work in July.

Dave: What's the latest on Matt Hall, the OT out of Arkansas? I see he's up for a visit. I had the sense that he was a lock to follow H.Nutt to Ole Miss.

Vahe Gregorian: I think he has an affinity toward Houston Nutt. He'll have to be wowed at Mizzou this weekend for the Tigers to get a commitment.

Matt: I was just wondering how many scholarships the football team has to give out this year. We have filled 23 so I don't know how many more we have.

Vahe Gregorian: No one knows for sure and Pinkel doesn't talk about recruiting before signing day - never has. The best guess is as many as 25 maybe 26. John Stull leaving at the end of the season and Tarrell Corby leaving in the middle of the season opens a couple scholarships as well.

Jack: How much and what type of contact do you have weekly with the coaches and players and does that differ between football and men's basketball? Thanks.

Vahe Gregorian: Media have access to football on Monday's (players and coaches) and Tuesday (coach Pinkel) and then after the game on Saturday. Basketball is pretty unlimited. I can go to practice whenever I want and talk to whomever I want after practice. It's a lot more open than football.

Charlie: What is an Anderson style player? Quicker, smarter, taller, shorter.......
Quin was so heralded for his recruiting ability (not that they turned out that great) but shouldn't players be able to adjust to what the new coach wants?

Thanks

Vahe Gregorian: Quicker, smarter, and probably no taler than 6-9. I'm not saying that the players he has now aren't smart. I just think you have to be raised on this system to get it.

Alan: How is the recruiting going for next year? Who is signed and who is Anderson looking at?

Vahe Gregorian: Anderson's class is done for next year. The class consists of Marcus Denmon (SG), Laurence Bowers (SF), Kim English (SG), Keith Ramsey (PF), Miguel Paul (PG), and Steve Moore (PF).

There's a rumor that Mizzou is looking at a juco named Tim Island, but it's nothing more than a rumor at this point.

Jack: How does Mike Anderson explain Hannah and Lyons regressing this season and about not giving playing time to Safford and Volkus? Thanks.

Vahe Gregorian: Well, Volkus is starting, so he's seeing increased playing time. Safford, and I said this on the Mizzou Talk board, I just don;t think he;s ready for increased playing time. However, he might see more if whatever is going on between Leo and Anderson doesn't get resolved. I don't know what the problem is there, but there is a problem. Leo is averaging 12 minutes a game in conference play.

Hannah is scoring about the same as a year ago. I don't think he's regressed, he just hasn't improved.