Graham Watson: I'm still in Kansas City for the Big 12 Tournament, so I'll get through as many questions as I can before I head out to the arena.

Dustin: Thankya Graham...

We all know about Chase Daniel, Willy Mo, Coffman, and Sean Weatherspoon and how important their play is to our success. Can you give me a "dark horse"...or a person we should look out for to step up and have a breakout year. Someone who nobody talks about.


Thanks

Vahe Gregorian: I think Jimmy Jackson is going to be that guy. I know a lot of people are waiting for Derrick Washington to take the starting RB spot, but I think Jimmy is going to hang on with all he's got. He was the one RB Mizzou had last year that wasn't afraid to run between the tackles. He also has better hands and blocking ability than Washington.

david kite: can you post an update version of the spring roster, supposely there are 41 walkon name weight height and home high school

thank

david kite

Vahe Gregorian: There is an updated depth chart on my blog under "Spring Football: Day One" and that has all of the new players on it (sans freshmen).

nateman: First of all I wanted to comment on how much I enjoy your chats and articles each week. You do a great job. My question is regarding the depth chart you posted on the blog. I see that Michael Keck's name is no where to be found. What has happened with him and what is his future in a tiger unifrom?

Vahe Gregorian: Thank you.

Oh, he's on there, but he's the last DE listed, fourth-string, I think. He's got a lot of work to do to get on the field at DE. I'm not sure it's going to happen this year, but I haven't seen enough of him in spring to really assert that and he's got an entire summer to make his move up the depth chart.

Bob Brinton: I noticed in your tentative depth chart you list Shawn Scott among the tailbacks. I thought he was the guy you were high on last spring and I thought he had left the program. Is he still on the team?

Vahe Gregorian: He's also at the bottom of the depth at the tailback spot. There was a rumor discussed among the media that he was late registering for classes and he was being punished for it. I'm not sure that's true and I haven't talked to him. I will, though. I'm still high on him. I'm not sure he'll play, but he's one of the toughest runners Mizzou has.

Back to a question about the roster... I was mistaken. The entire roster was not listed on the blog. I'll see what I can do about filling in the blanks tomorrow.

Nick: I have a question concerning the men's basketball recruits and the security of Mike Anderson's job.

1. I am just curious as to what you think of his situation, if he deserves another year?
I personally think that you should always give a head coach security until he has a team full of his players, however Mike Anderson has often shown that he has trouble as a disciplinarian, will this hurt him>

2. As for the recruits, do any of them have discipline problems? If not, the team nexy year could be very interesting to watch, based on how different it will be.
What are your thoughts> THanks for the time!

Vahe Gregorian: 1. Mike Anderson deserves another year. Give the guy time. GP had similar struggles in his first couple years because he inherited the same type of mess Anderson did. If you don't see improvement after next year then you can start hanging For Sale signs in his yard.

He kicked his best player off the team in the middle of the season. I think that's handling discipline pretty well.

2. All of Missouri recruits are in good standing (trust, we checked after the Hannah deal). I've talked to a couple of these guys and they're great. Super energetic and excited to be Tigers. it will be nice to have a fresh attitude around this program.

Chris Marion: Hi, Graham Chris a big tiger fan views Mike anderson as the right coach for this program. I was wondering if you
could give me an answer on the rumor that Mike was being
pursued by L.S.U. of the SEC. Also, let me know what you
think of the influx of talent coming into the program.
What you know about the guys coming in ?

Vahe Gregorian: I was talking to a couple people about that and the prevailing feeling that Mike Anderson wouldn't go anywhere as long as DeMarre (his nephew) was still on the team. I think this is also becoming a pride thing. He wants to turn this program around and prove some of the naysayers wrong.

Missouri's class is going to be fine. They have a lot of good players, but better yet, good people. I really believe this is going to be a different program next year.

Rich: Graham,
Is anyone complaining about Cindy Stein? I know it is not a money sport, but it seems she can't get over the hump.
Rich

Vahe Gregorian: Cindy Stein will get one more year because she worked with a young team this year. If this team produces the same results next year, she'll probably be gone. As I think I said on here before, Gary Pinkel has ensured that MU coaches get more passes than they probably should. It worked out with soccer this year, maybe Stein can have the same results.

Lindy: 2008 Tigers Football - What's the team's most glaring weakness? And your opinion - Will we really be good enough to win the Big 12 Championship? (I wonder how many w/0 Missouri ties will be picking the Tigers?)

Vahe Gregorian: This team has no weaknesses! It's awesome. Sorry, trying to get over the fog that is basketball...

I don't know what Missouri's weaknesses are right now and I probably won't know until the fall. I do think the biggest challenge will be making sure the Tigers get out of their own way. it's easy to get high off one season. This team has done it several times before. The goal is not to make this year an anomaly.

And yes, this team will be good enough to win the Big 12 Championship.

MizzouMarv: B-ball season is over for us. Should we just "turn the page" and look forward to football season and a better '08-'09 b-ball team or does this year point to a deeper problem and a long, long road back to repectability? We were so close in so many games. Are we that close to being good or is that an example of poor coaching and an inability to make adjustments in crucial game situations?

Vahe Gregorian: Ha! Perhaps you have to hit the low of the low to be able to appreciate climbing to the top. Yeah, eternal optimist right here. Or I'm just trying to get over basketball myself.

I asked Keon if there was a reasonable expectation that this team would be better next year and he gave me an emphatic "Yes!" I think the team was as excited to end this year as a lot of us were.

George: Lyons is seriously interested in NBA??? i.e. Thomas Gardner, or Albert White? Hopefully his statement of, "just to see what I need to improve on" was true, but I worried more about his statement of spending time with good coaches as a slap in the face to CMA.

Vahe Gregorian: I don;t fault the guy for putting his nae out there and seeing what happens. It's not against the rules, and actually, I think he'll learn a lot about his game that will help Mizzou. He's not ready for the NBA and he'd potentially be cheating his family out of millions if he left early.

MizzouMarv: I've been reading about all the Tigers who are showing off for their "Pro-Days" being bigger, stronger, faster, jumping higher and having less body fat. I know I probably worked harder for my "real job" than I did while attending "My Old School" (although that Stat II class was a killer) and there are $millions$ at stake, but how good would we have been if they'd been in that good of shape while playing for Old Mizzou? Maybe have beaten OU once?

Vahe Gregorian: Well, a lot of these guys didn't have 8 hours to devote to training like they do now. All of the guys who participated in pro days weren't attending classes. Obviously, while they were with Mizzou class was very much a part of their schedule.

Brian: Top of the mornin',

Is it just me or has a weight been lifted now that basketball season is finally over? Really hoping the team will be energized next year both by the departure of those senior 'leaders' and also by the new kids coming in.

I read in your article that UW and Ohio State were in attendance at Mizzou's first practice. Are any of Mizzou's coaches attending other teams' practices this year? I wasn't happy to hear that OSU was there as I expect to be playing them in Miami in '09.

Thanks

Vahe Gregorian: You have no idea. I think there was a little part of me that wanted Mizzou to win yesterday, you know, for the guys, but there was another part that just wanted this season to be put out of its misery. I'm glad it's over and we can look forward. This season was like running on a treadmill - exhausting, but not going anywhere.

I don't know if any of Missouri's coaches are attending practices this year, but I know they have in the past. When MU changed to the spread, it went to Bowling Green and Utah to check out the scheme. I did find it interesting that those were defensive coaches watching. I wondering if they were looking at Mizzou's D or learning how to defend Mizzou's O?

And since MU was working more on fundamentals and less on offense v defense, I don't think the coaches learned much.

Dan-KC: Hi Graham,

That was a hard game to watch last night. When MU came out of that last time out, I thought the set play would open a "good look" for the tie.....guess not.

I read Leo Lyons is putting his name in the draft w/out an agent. So what feedback would actually make him leave MU? ( what potential round would he have to be hearing)?


Are any of the MU BB prospects 09'considered "scorers" and can find their own shots off the dribble?

THX!

Vahe Gregorian: I am in the minority in thinking he;s not going anywhere, but I think that he'd have to hear that he'd be taken in the draft to leave - either round. I honestly believe that he wanted to know what he needs to work on.

Snake: Graham, thanks again. Last night, Cloudson heard Mike Kelly say, "The score is 12-12 in a slowly developing thriller." How would you describe the scene at The Sprint last night?

Vahe Gregorian: A game that set basketball back several decades. And it wasn't just Mizzou, it was the entire evening session. Watching Iowa State score seven points in the first 10 minutes of its game against A&M made me sad for the state of Big 12 basketball.

Paul: Howdy

looked like you and Mike Alden had quite the extended little chat before the game last night. Did anything of interest come out of that?

Also, I noticed Kim Anderson working the room (press row). Any rumors around that you might like to get started here? or is he just a well liked guy all around college basketball?

I was looking for Gervino, was he in town or did he stay back in Columbia?

thanks for the coverage
you do a nice job
Paul

Vahe Gregorian: Wow, I'm being tailed now...

Actually, Alden and I were talking about the CBI. There were questions about money - it costs at least $60,000 to host a game (at least!) - travel, game times, etc. None of this had been worked out by the CBI and the tourney is what? A week away? Alden said he hadn't even heard of the CBI until a month ago and that no one ever called him about it. He and I were just talking about Mizzou not being a guinea pig for the event. I think, and rightfully so, MU wanted to see how it played out for a year or two. None of that matters now that Missouri lost, but it was an interesting conversation.

I saw Kim Anderson. He was chatting up a lot of people, but I don't think he's the Anderson that will be coaching Mizzou next year. He is a very well-liked guy around basketball and he knows a ton of people in the business. He needed to be around the 2006 Big 12 Tournament if he was really looking for a job.

Gervino was around. He was floating between the men and women. He might have headed back after the women's game because I saw Eric Blumberg at the men's game.

Dave: Did Baylor's loss knock them out of the Dance? Which teams get in from the Big 12? Thanks

Vahe Gregorian: I think it does, some people disagreed. I see Kansas, Texas, Kansas State, Oklahoma and A&M getting in. If A&M had lost yesterday, Baylor might have made it. Baylor, I would say, is slipping off the bubble.

Paul: Howdy again

Did you notice late in the game NU timeout - result back door layup from the milli vanilli look a like

next possession, MU timeout - result bad 3 point miss from Demarre as the shot clock expired

Coach Anderson needs at least 1 if not 2 more years before we can really make an informed decision on him, but things like this just kind of eat at me.

thanks for your time
Paul

Vahe Gregorian: I agree. That was a frustrating play. I don't know what to say about it or the coaching. I think that play was more about Mizzou's bad defense than a play Doc Sadler drew up.

Milli Vanilli look-alike. Funny.

Jim: Will the Missouri basketball program ever rebound? When you come to think of it, the last winning season, that included an at large birth to the NCAA tournament was done with a Norm Stewart recruiting class. Yes, Quin Snyder coached the program, however, they were Norm's recruits. This program is in jeopardy! I quite honestly don't feel Mike Anderson is the answer, in order to rebuild a floundering program. Here's a thought! It's my understanding that the University of North Carolina will retire Tyler Hansbourough's Jersey at the end of the year? That will make a total of (five) retired Jersey's on Tobacco Road. What kind of impact would he have been the past three years at MU, given the recruting border was sealed? The Tigers have now lost three consecutive first round Big 12 opening tournament games. WHAT A JOKE!

Vahe Gregorian: Yes, yes, yes. All is not lost for Missouri basketball. This isn't 1980s SMU football, things will get better.

Hansbrough wasn't going to come to Mizzou unless Norm Stewart came out of retirment to coach him. Would he have made a difference? Sure. Would Horton have made him as god a player as Law does? Uh, no. It's all relative to the supporting cast.

earl barton: What a disappointing year for MU basdketball. Is the "40 monutes of hell" suitable for Div. 1 where good guards are plentiful?
Also, why can every other school make three's but MU can't.
MU can;t play the half court game on either end.

Vahe Gregorian: I see Tennessee play the style of defense MU aspires to. It gives me hope for the "40 minutes of hell" system.

Steve: Graham,
Love your Mizzou information! You mentioned the punting situation in an earlier article this week, do you get the sense that this is really an open competition for the job or do you feel it is someone's job already to lose? We really could use a consistent punter!

Vahe Gregorian: Oh, this job is open. Obviously, Harry is the starter because he's on scholarship and he's been here, but he hasn't shown anything that makes me think he's running away with the starter label. A couple of those walk-ons are giving him a run for his money. I agree, Mizzou needs a consistent punter.

Bye Bye Butterfield: Where exactly does Mizzou get off saying they are not going to accept an invitation to this CBI tournament? As pathetic as this program is right now, they should be willing to accept an invitation to any tournament foolish enough to invite them.

How could it be a bad thing to get a couple more games where they give most of the minutes to underclassmen? They could certainly use the experience, and it is abundantly obvious that our woefully inadequate coach could use work on his in-game coaching.

Vahe Gregorian: Read my answer a couple questions ago about some of the logistical questions regarding the CBI. Right now, it's coming off as a poorly run, haphazard tournament. The fact that you have to pay to play in it is pretty ridiculous and team can outbid each other for home games. Missouri would lose a ton of money trying to play in this thing.

I agree about the experience thing, but I think this team needs a mental break.

StlMizzouFan: Hi Graham. What's the story behind J.P. Tillman leaving the Tiger football team? Are there just too many QB's (current and committed recruits) in front of him? If so, could he have been moved to another position? Thanks.

Vahe Gregorian: I don't know the exact story, but I think the writing was on the wall for his situation at QB. And he's not athletic enough to play another position. At least, not that I've seen.

Anthony: Graham: First, thanks for everything you do.

1.April 19th can't get here soon enough.

2.Have both Lyons AND Lawrence declared (sans agent) for the draft? Better question, does anybody care?

3.Without the victories against Central Michigan, Fordham, Southern, Western Illinois, McNeese State, North Carolina A&T, Coppin State and UMKC (all powerhouses) Mizzou was 8-16. Pretty pathetic, Ty. (Know the movie reference?)

Vahe Gregorian: You're welcome.

1. I agree, probably for some of the same and different reasons...

2. Lawrence? Which Lawrence? No Lawrence, unless you mean the entire starting five for the rival team in the state to the west, has declared for the draft. Lyons told the media he'd put his name in and not hire an agent.

3. You can look at it like that, but every team has a collection of weak teams on their schedule and a lot of teams are making the tourney because of them.

"Pathetic? Maybe for you, Lacey. But for me, there's a subtle perfection in everything I do."

Caddyshack. One of my favorites.

Todd: Graham,
Any plans to see Jenny Finch pitch this summer?
I can't beleive the Olympic team is going to be in our backyard at ABC.
I heard Chase is really putting on the lbs., any truth to that?
Thanks

Vahe Gregorian: I would love to see Jenny Finch pitch. I really loved her on Pros vs. Joes (I think that was the show) the first season. Funny stuff. I think I could hit off her. I took a couple MU softball pitchers yard in my day.

I'm not going to comment on Chase's weight. I will say that a comment was made (not by me) that few players look thinner in pads than CD. I have to agree.

Joe B.: Graham,

Love your coverage of MU Sports. Now that Horton and Brown are done, how do you think will they be remembered by MU over time, given the gamut of their 4 years?

If Kalen Grimes does not go vigilante and the Mizzou Five head home from Athena by 11:30 PM, does this year's record really become that much better? Or were we truly better off long term by letting KL and JT and Safford get extended minutes?

Vahe Gregorian: I don;t know that they will be remembered. Harsh, I know, but I think people want to move on from this period of Mizzou basketball and those guys, along with Butters and V, will fade into the ether.

I think this team was better off getting JT and K Law out there. Those are your leaders next year and now they know what not to do. I think those guys had to grow up fast and they'll be better for it in the future.

Brandon: Graham,

Have you gotten a chance to see Zaire Taylor and Marcus Denmon play yet. If so how do they compare to our current guards of Tiller and K Law. From what I've heard Denmon looks like he can come in a score 10+ right away. I hear he is extremely quick with a good jumper. Tiller plays hard and is physical but if Denmon could take his spot I think we would be much improved by bringing his energy off the bench.

Vahe Gregorian: I've seen Zaire play in practice. He has a pretty shot. I will warn against what CMA said about having Zaire would have produced six more wins. He said the same thing about DeMarre and it got Mizzou two fewer wins than last year. just saying...

I've never seen Denmon play live, just video.

Bye Bye Butterfield: How does Missouri possibly justify turning down an invitation to ANY tournament? Last I checked, this is 5 years with no NCAA and 3 with no NIT. This pathetic program has no business turning down anything - it would be a great opportunity for our young players to improve and our woefully inadequate coach to work on his atrocious in-game management.

Vahe Gregorian: Didn't you just ask this question? Same answer a couple questions down.

imted: to help us get over the low of last night big 12 can you give a little information about the guys coming in?

Vahe Gregorian: I don't that I can tell you more than I already have. Obviously, they're going to bring energy that this team has been lacking. Also, most of these kids come from winning programs, which is something that will aid the mentality of Mizzou. That's something GP didn't really have until Chase Daniel came into the program. Those types of players teach the other ones around them how to win. I do know that a lot of the incoming freshman are already chatting with each other about next year. They're also talking with a lot of the current players, so there's some chemistry there, which is good. I think Kimmie English will be the leader of this team in a few years. i really like him and his attitude.

Nick: I understand that kicking Stefhon Hannah off the team was a powerful move, he has not had any more trouble since, but it seemed to me that there ere signs of trouble earlier in the season, e.g. Grimes, Butterfield. He kicked grimes off the team, but there were still problems, also DeMarre Carrol getting shot in the foot at a night club should have been enough reason to the players not to go back...

Vahe Gregorian: Well, I don't think they went back to the night club where Carroll got shot, but I don't think that should have kept them out of all night clubs. These are still college kids. They still have to enjoy their college life.

I;m sure there were signs, but if every coach reacted to signs there might not be many players left in the Big 12. Seriously. Kicking Grimes off the team was the right thing to do. Kicking Stefhon off was the right thing to do. Butters? Well, that's debatable. Horton, too. But at some point you still have to think about the team.

Does that make it right? no. Does it make Anderson like every other coach in America in that thinking? Yes.

Graham Watson: Looks like that's it. Thanks and enjoy the rest of the Big 12 Tourney if you're watching.