Aug. 26, 2009

Columbia, Mo. - Mizzou Basketball got its first taste of individual workouts on Wednesday, as Head Coach Mike Anderson welcomed his 2009-10 squad for the first of three morning workouts this week at Mizzou Arena.

The Tiger coaching staff is allowed to work with its program for two hours each week up until the start of practice on Oct. 16. Wednesday's workout lasted 40 minutes, however the team often meets four times a week in 30-minute segments. This week was adjusted due to the start of school.

"That's how you know we are back in the swing of everything," senior guard Zaire Taylor said. "Having the coaches back out here working with us, it's an up-tempo atmosphere. It's all business right now. I don't think it's a huge adjustment for some of the older guys, but for the new guys, this will be an eye-opener."

Of course Wednesday's gathering wasn't the first since last year's run to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers remained in Columbia most of the summer, not only taking classes, but working out with Associate Director of Strength & Conditioning David Deets and playing pick-up games nearly every afternoon.

Individual workouts start at 6 a.m., and as you would expect, the Tigers raced through their 40 minute morning workout, not only maximizing their time on the floor, but helping the newcomers get adjusted to the speed of Tiger Basketball.

"I think the pace will be the biggest adjustment," Taylor said. "I don't know if you ever get used to the early mornings, but the guys will eventually understand the pace Coach Anderson wants and you get a lot done in a short amount of time."

Mizzou Basketball opens its season on Nov. 6 against Truman State University.