COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri coach Frank Haith says chemistry will be more important than talent this season as the Tigers work as many as six transfers and five freshmen onto the roster.
After losing to Norfolk State as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament, Missouri moves to the Southeastern Conference in need of a new identity in Haith’s second season with the program.
With five players taller than 6-feet-8, Missouri won’t go with a four-guard lineup as it did last season as part of a seven-man rotation. Haith, the 2012 Associated Press Coach of the Year, guided the team to a 30-5 record as it led the country in field goal percentage (.504) and assist-to-turnover ratio (1.6).
Guards Michael Dixon and Phil Pressey and forward Laurence Bowers are the only players with game experience for the Tigers.
Missouri opens its season Nov. 10 against Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.
