Phil Pressey Explains Decision To Stay At Mizzou

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Mizzou fans are happy that point guard Phil Pressey
 decided to stay in Columbia.  Pressey explains why he is
 happy to still wear the Black and Gold - Photo courtesy of
 Getty Images
When former University of Missouri coach Mike Anderson decided to leave Columbia to be the head coach at Arkansas, the first thought that crept into the heads of many Mizzou fans was whether or not point guard Phil Pressey would fly the coup next?

Pressey did consider leaving and the Tigers certainly would have missed his 6.5 points and 3.9 assists a game he contributed last season as a freshman.

“Of course I did, because I didn’t know who was going to be the coach,” he said. “I didn’t know where I was going to be in that situation or what I was going to do at the end of the year, but after talking to my parents, we just thought for me the best thing to do was to stay.”

Pressey's decision to stay had to feel good for everyone involved with the Mizzou program, especially new head coach Frank Haith.

In an interview with the Columbia Tribune over the weekend, Pressey explained the decision to stay at Mizzou in detail.

On his new relationship with Coach Haith:
“He told me from Day 1 that he’s a guard coach and he’s going to put a lot of faith in me,” Pressey said. “I like that in a coach, that they take time to get to know me and figure out what I like to do and how I like to play other than a coach just coming in and telling me what they’re going to do. ... I talk to him pretty much every other day or every day, so I’m building a connection. I like that.”
On Haith's offensive system and how it caters to his game:
“The way Coach Haith’s offense is, it’s more pick-and-roll and the point guard makes plays for others.”
Pressey will certainly be a key contributor and a vital cog to next year's team.  Pressey's play will likely determine whether or not Mizzou can compete at the top of the Big 12 Conference next season.

If Pressey can grow into his enormous potential under Haith, he may very well lead the Tigers deep into post-season play next season even though the team will be looking to establish their new identity under their new coach.

Either way, Mizzou fans can rest assured that Pressey will be wearing the Black and Gold next season.

And he is happy to be in Columbia.

Sources:

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