Anderson readies for Big 12 tournament
Published March 6, 2007
In order to make the NCAA Tournament in Mike Anderson's first year at the helm, all indications show that the men's basketball team needs to win four games, including the championship game, in four days at the Big 12 Tournament in Oklahoma City. But Anderson and his players said they are focused on the Baylor Bears, their first game of the tournament at 8:30 p.m. Thursday.
"We're worried about Baylor right now," senior guard Marcus Watkins said. "You've got to get through the first one, and then we'll worry about the next game after that."
Anderson said his is the type of basketball team that is built for a conference tournament and the possibility of games on consecutive days.
"(The Big 12) tournament kind of bodes well for our basketball team in terms of the quick turnaround, and we play a lot of people," he said.
Anderson said his freshmen and other team newcomers are prepared for a conference tournament because they are focused only on the Baylor.
"We played a tournament previously when we first started the season," Anderson said, referring to the John Thompson Classic in November in which his team played three games in three days. "I think we treat it as the next game. Every game has been a big game for our guys, so it's the next game on our schedule."
Freshman guard J.T. Tiller said the team's style this season means the conference tournament isn't treated differently.
"The whole season we've just focused on one game at a time," Tiller said. "That's been the motto. That's been the philosophy."
This also means the coaches don't have to do anything in particular to prepare the newcomers.
"They just tell us it's another step up from the regular season," Tiller said. "No pressure, just play like we've been playing the whole season."
But despite the lack of pressure, Anderson said he saw things in the team's 94-78 loss to Texas A&M on Saturday that he wants improved. One of his main points was for the team to maintain its aggressiveness for 40 minutes, as he felt the Aggies got too many shots near the basket in the second half.
Tiller said the team is also trying to ensure everyone has a team-first attitude and plays into his teammates' and his own strengths.
Although the Bears are the tournament's 11th seed, Anderson said they cannot be overlooked.
"They're playing pretty good basketball," Anderson said. "Their record may not indicate it, but if you check all the scores, they've been right there with people, so we've got our work cut out for us."
Baylor junior guard Aaron Bruce did not compete when his team came to Columbia Feb. 14, but he will play on Thursday.
"He brings another dimension," Anderson said. "A guy that can create, not only for himself but others, and he can knock shots down. I think he's the veteran on that basketball team."
Despite his team's challenges, Anderson said he enjoys this time of year.
"Every game, it counts," he said. "We're playing at a neutral site, survive and advance, that's what it's called."