FAYETTEVILLE — Follow along as Mike Anderson previews Arkansas' exhibition with Missouri Western.
Mike Anderson
— Be good to have another test against someone other than themselves.
— Want to control tempo. Didn't like the tempo the other night. Only shot 56 times. Normally shoot 56 times in one half. Hopes this team is a lot faster, wants more possessions instead of a halfcourt game. Central Oklahoma did a good job controlling tempo at times, but they did a lot that disrupted flow for themselves.
— Wants sharper, crisper passes. Much better in the motion offense.
— Wants to dominate the glass again.
— Have to continue to get in game shape. Thought they were active and the defense was OK, but then guys started pacing themselves.
— Will add Darious Hall back for this game.
— Status of other guys who hasn't played is still the same.
— End of the day, people still have to go out and play at a high level.
— AP poll is an early opinion based on who teams have coming back. You want to be there when it's all said and done. Last year, they were one of 32 teams playing. "Doesn't worry about polls and all that. "It's at the end when it really matters." "This group of guys' potential is there." Nonconference schedule is not far off.
— Wants to be one of the most tenacious defensive teams. Thinks they're athletic and can switch.
— Gafford was active and you'll see him more this game. There were a couple times he was probably out of place, but the only way you learn rotations is to be out there. Had 8 and 7 and altered a lot of shots.
— Gabe Osabuohien will play more because he's healthier than he had been and more ready.
— "That schedule was put together on purpose to find out who we are, where we are" and where they can go.
— Thought Adrio Bailey was nervous early but played better in the second half. C.J. Jones was doing more little things.
— Jones watched a guy like Dusty Hannahs. Watched how people ran Dusty off the line and how he put the ball on the floor and got to the rim. Even in practice, people know C.J. has range and are running him off the line. He'll continue to get better off the dribble.
— Likes Barford and Macon's toughness. Can be examples in terms of leadership about how to go out and play and compete. Barford can be a calming force for the basketball team.
— Hall came back Sunday. Shot around. Came back to practice Tuesday. "Looking forward to seeing him out there in action." He bumped heads with Gafford.