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| The University of Missouri is making the right decision in paying Mike Anderson more money to keep him, but the move is not without risks. - Life.com Photo |
Of course the biggest question was if Mike Anderson was interested in Arkansas?
Either way, and we may never exactly know, the University of Missouri is going to do everything in their power to avoid finding out.
According to a report by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the University is set to extend Anderson's contract by two addtional seasons and give Anderson a raise that will make his annual salary close to $2 million.
Of course this doesn't mean that Anderson is going to stay.
But its good to see the University step up and pay the big bucks to a coach that not only has turned the program around, but also seems to be doing it the right way with integrity, discipline, and a system that the coach believes in and does not wavor from.
It is also a risk for the school and this past season provides proof in the pudding.
Sure the Tigers made the "Big Dance" for the third consecutive season under Anderson, but this edition of the Tigers was not without faults.
Anderson must recruit impactful post players similar in nature to former Tigers star Demare Carrol and current junior Laurence Bowers.
Anderson must convince players to come to Mizzou that are capable of competing with the post players at the likes of Kansas and Texas, but also able to run Anderson's full court, pressure defense.
Anderson must also do a better job of closing off the borders. Fans are tired of watching the Hansbrough brothers of Poplar Bluff and Bradley Beal of Chaminade escape the state to play for other schools.
I understand that he has recruited and retained the past 3 Mr. Basketball's in the state of Missouri, but he missed on Beal, who is the best player to come out of the state possibly ever.
Anderson will also have to show the ability to make tough decisions regarding current personnel that is playing absolutely terrible.
Of course I'm referencing senior-to-be Kim English, who is the most overrated, but most outspoken of his players. Anderson needs to pull back the reigns on players like English and Phil Pressey, who tend to play out of control and interrupt the offensive, and in Pressey's case, defensive concepts Anderson is trying to employ.
If the Post-Dispatch's reports are true and Anderson is returning to Columbia, Tigers fans should count their lucky blessings.
But Anderson should know he just put a lot more pressure on himself.
Things won't be so rosy if he does not continue to guide this program down the correct path.
$2 million a year guarantees the road could get bumpy real quick if things go sour.
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