Missouri Tigers: Mizzou's Kim English sounds off about hate on Frank Haith

February 08, 2012|Chris Replogle, KY3 News | Twitter @ky3tigertalk or on Facebook @KYTV TigerTalk

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Kim English is not shy about his opinions.

The senior guard for the Missouri Tigers is using Twitter to answer criticism about first-year Head Coach Frank Haith. Some still argue this is still former Head Coach Mike Anderson's team.

"Frank Haith is our coach," said English on Twitter. "May not be responsible for the "players" you see on the court. But, he is the reason for the "PRODUCT" on the court.."

Mizzou is 21-2, ranked No. 4 in the country. Missouri's roster is loaded with several seniors, one of them English. That senior leadership has helped Haith's transition from Anderson's "Fastest Forty Minutes."

"No other coach could've done a better job with this group of guys this season," said English. "System, philosphy, personality, all were a perfect fit."

Is English correct? The statistics seem to say yes. Missouri last season averaged 80.8 points per game in the more up-tempo style of Anderson's. This season, the Tigers average 80.5 points per game. Defensively, Mizzou gave up 71.6 points per game last season. The Tigers have improved that statistic by nearly seven points, giving up 64.3 points per game. Missouri finished mid-pack in the Big 12 Conference in field goal percentage at .458 per game last season. This season, Mizzou ranks fourth nationally with a shooting percentage of .505 per game. The "Fastest Forty Minutes" thrived on turnover margin, ranking second nationally at plus 5.38 per game. This season, the Tigers rank sixth nationally at plus 5.12.

"Please don't get it twisted whose "players" we are," said English on Twitter. "We are Frank Haith's "players"!!!"

No. 4 Missouri will play No. 6 Baylor Saturday at 12:30 p.m. on the Big 12 Network.

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