THE GOOD NEWS
Missouri was good enough in the Big 12 opener to upset eventual conference co-champion Texas. That was when the Tigers were playing with G Stefhon Hannah, who was later dismissed for his role in a bar fight. There were instances when Missouri could play with any team in the conference, but shots had to fall. They rarely did from long range as the Tigers hit .327 on 3-pointers during Big 12 play.

THE BAD NEWS
If coach Mike Anderson prides his teams on stout defense, then the Tigers need a crash course on fundamentals. They ranked 11th defending field goals in conference play with a .458 percentage, and the 78.1 points they allowed conference opponents also ranked 11th. Part of the problem is the quick pace Anderson likes to create, but the Tigers should be advised to slow down at times and find better opportunities.

KEY RETURNEES
F DeMarre Carroll is a well-built forward with great instincts, as long as he doesn't play out of control. It's possible, however, the Vanderbilt transfer could explore professional avenues after playing just one season with the Tigers. G Keon Lawrence has yet to develop into a consistent threat, but could eventually become a top scorer. G Matt Lawrence is a 3-point bomber who had trouble finding his touch. The top returnee could be F Leo Lyons, yet his role was never really defined.

ROSTER REPORT

--Over the last four regular-season games, F Leo Lyons averaged 21.5 points and 12.8 rebounds. He led the Big 12 with a .602 shooting percentage, yet was not a regular for the Tigers until late in the season. Lyons scored only seven points in the Big 12 Tournament loss to Nebraska, going 2 for 12 from the field.

--F DeMarre Carroll, a junior who sat out last season after transferring from Vanderbilt, was named the Big 12 newcomer of the year after averaging 13.1 points and a team-high 6.6 rebounds. He hinted after the first-round loss to Nebraska in the Big 12 Tournament he might turn pro.

--The first-round loss for Missouri in the Big 12 Tournament was its third straight, and its first ever in Kansas City. Before its three-year skid, Missouri won its opener in each of the previous nine Big 12 tournaments.

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