Hog calls

Razorbacks coach does it his own way

Arkansas coach Mike Anderson, right, talks to Arkansas's Anthlon Bell (5) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Texas A&M, in Fayetteville, Ark., Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)

FAYETTEVILLE -- Good for Arkansas that the Razorbacks didn't hire Mike Anderson back in 2002.

Good for Anderson, too.

Back then in the wake of Nolan Richardson's stormy Arkansas exit, too many would not have believed true the truism that Richardson uttered Tuesday night about Anderson, Richardson's 17-year Arkansas assistant (1985-2002) and before that his Tulsa point guard.

Anderson has resurrected the Razorbacks to 23-5 going into today's game at No. 1 Kentucky, heights that haven't been achieved at Arkansas since Richardson coached them.

"The part that I love about him, he's always been his own man," Richardson said. "We can talk and we can say what we're going to say, but at the end of the day, Mike's going to make the decision. And that decision is what I respect."

In 2002, too many would have judged Anderson not for his merits but perceived him as Richardson's wannabe clone. They would have been wrong, but that wouldn't have stopped them from seeking Anderson's ouster at the first bump in the road.

It seems Arkansas required the 2002-2011 abyss to appreciate the coach it passed over.

The abyss spanned three coaches between Richardson and Anderson. Dana Altman, the most qualified of the three and the lone one among them who is still a head coach, exited the first day upon seeing major academic problems looming after the departure of Stan Heath, which ultimately cost Arkansas scholarships.

Some might have rolled out of town on Day One after scrutinizing the problems Anderson inherited from John Pelphrey.

Anderson rolled up his sleeves. Step by step, he rebuilt the Razorbacks on the court and off the court.

Success didn't happen overnight. Most Arkansas fans from nine lean years knew shortcuts seldom work. They stayed patient. The Alabama-Birmingham and Missouri head coaching resume that Anderson didn't have in 2002 proved he could turn around troubled programs. They could wait to see it rebuilt right.

"I'm so proud of him because it didn't only happen here," Richardson said. "I saw him do it at UAB. I saw him move from UAB to Missouri, and I saw him come to Arkansas when I knew the program was in disarray. I'm so happy to see the game looks more like Hawgball again. I think the fans are enjoying themselves."

"Hawgball" and "40 Minutes of Hell" were the descriptions of Richardson's scrambling, pressing defense and fast-breaking offense.

It's what Anderson teaches, but he preaches it differently. That's why he succeeds.

The graveyard of failed head coaches is littered with disciples of Hall of Famers who tried to imitate every aspect of their mentors.

Anderson seldom shouted like Richardson when he was an assistant and seldom shouts as a head coach.

What worked for Richardson with his personality wouldn't have worked for Anderson. He is no less passionate about what he imparts, but imparts it his own way.

Usually it's a good man who knows himself.

Good for Arkansas that timing worked to hire a good man who is his own man.

Sports on 02/28/2015