Anderson brings tough defense to Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Mike Anderson's swarming style of defense and fast-paced play to the University of Missouri.\nAnderson was hired as Missouri's basketball coach Sunday, taking over following Quin Snyder's resignation last month.\nAnderson, who led Alabama-Birmingham to a 24-9 record and an NCAA tournament appearance this season, is the first permanent black head coach at Missouri, though Melvin Watkins, a Snyder assistant, served as interim coach after Snyder's resignation.\nAnderson also a former assistant to Nolan Richardson at Arkansas and played for Richardson at Tulsa.\nAs head coach at UAB for four years, Anderson had an 89-41 record with three NCAA tournament appearances. UAB lost to Kentucky in the first round this season.\nIn his introductory news conference, Anderson said he has already spoken with eight Missouri players. He said they are eager to experience his up-tempo, scrappy style.\n"If you ever see me in a fight with a tiger or a bear, you better help that tiger or that bear out," Anderson said. "If you watch my basketball team, that's the same mind-set. What we do is predicated on defense -- it starts, and it ends, on defense"