Kim Anderson Writes Letter To Missouri Tigers Fans

In the latest series of unfortunate events for the Missouri Tigers basketball team, we’ve watched as more players look as if they’re going to leave the program and as the coaching staff took a huge hit as well.

Now more than ever in this still very young tenure, head coach Kim Anderson faces a sever up hill battle. Players appear to be ready to leave. Much beloved assistant coach Tim Fuller departed last month. The school is losing far and away it’s best player to transfer. Fans are on edge. The school seems to be in a constant state of damage control.

Things are looking rough.

In the wake of things looking grim, Kim Anderson has released a letter via a press release addressed to the Mizzou Nation discussing the next steps of the basketball program. The letter, written more in a tone of excitement than anything else, addresses the current focus of Anderson, his staff and the athletic department as the basketball offseason gets under way.

Never does this letter mention the shambles that the program appears to be in. And in fact, it seems more optimistic, if you can believe it. But this letter appears be well-aware of the current problems the basketball team faces. And if you read between the lines, you can see this letter’s origins and intents, despite any optimism.

Jonathan Williams III, Mizzou’s leading scorer this year, elected to transfer. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-USA TODAY Sports

This letter is intended to fan the flames, calm the seas and ease tensions. That was the goal. As it turns toward the heart of the letter, Anderson turns attention to the disappointing 2015, and the outlook for the program.

Springtime means our Mizzou Men’s Basketball program is hard at work with our offseason program.” Anderson said. “This particular offseason is an important one to me, as it comes after a season of basketball that I know fell below all of our expectations.

“Our coaching and support staff, student-athletes and I are committed to making improvements for next season.

Anderson makes note that there are several areas of focus going into the 2015 season, including but not limited to academics, team performance, discipline, recruiting and other areas that could use some serious improvement.

They need those improvements fast. Specifically in a couple that Kim Anderson mentions by name in this letter:

Athletic performance.

“The Tigers will intensely focus on individual skill and team development, including improvement in the areas of strength, conditioning and nutrition.”

Team chemistry

“We will prioritize the development of a higher level of chemistry and leadership through team bonding, activities off the court, throughout the university and community service.”

Targeted recruiting focus

“Our coaching staff will continue to strengthen our visibility in the Midwest and continue to expand our national footprint. We will target prospective student-athletes that reflect our Mizzou Basketball brand on and off the court.”

While it seems everyone is intent on running for the fire exits before Kim Anderson has even put a full calendar year as the head coach under his belt, let’s look at things rationally– and that goes for fans and players.

Everyone just take a deep breath.

This is a work in progress. Things are always going to get worse before they get better when there’s such a big transition. With this letter, Anderson is showing his commitment to making improvements within the Mizzou basketball program. We all owe it to ourselves to give this guy a chance.

Of course, things could continue down this path. There’s no guarantee that this scenario won’t continue to play out and Anderson’s tenure will come to an abrupt, premature end. But we should all give this team the benefit of the doubt going into next season.

In the letter, Anderson shows his dedication to fixing the program.

“Mizzou is a place that has been a big part of my life and always will be. It’s my job to get our program to where it needs to be,” Anderson said. “Our staff and student-athletes are committed to these points of emphasis as we head into the summer and move towards the new school year.”

It’s nice to know that someone can remain so optimistic after last season. It’s going to be an incredibly rocky, uphill battle from here on out. But Anderson seems ready for the challenges.

“I am extremely excited and honored to serve as the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Missouri and look forward to a very productive offseason. Thank you for your continued support.”

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