Kim Anderson is 58 and has never coached a division I basketball game. That didn't stop the University of Missouri from naming him their next coach, ESPN reported.
On Anderson's side was his long record of success at division II Central Missouri. Last season, he won the national championship. Over his last 13, he's gone 274-94.
Solidifying Anderson's candidacy were the years between 1974 and 1978, or when Anderson played forward for the Tigers. Eighteen years before that, he was born and then raised in the state. The job was destined to be his.
"We are pleased and excited to have Kim Anderson leading our program," Missouri athletic director Mike Alden said in a statement. "He's a man of great character, integrity and respect. He has demonstrated the ability to mentor young men on and off the court, academically and socially. He's a proven winner on all levels, and he's built tremendous relationships around the country in the basketball community, which assists greatly with recruiting and other important aspects for a program.
"Lastly, the fact that he's a Missouri Tiger at heart is important. He is committed to Mizzou and has a passion to build a program of which all Tiger fans will be proud."
Anderson probably would have played professional ball in Missouri if they had a team. Instead, he was drafted by the Trail Blazers in 1978. He played just 21 games for them.
Anderson takes over for previous coach Frank Hait, who left for Tulsa (an odd place for which to leave an SEC program), which was previously headed by Danny Manning (now at Wake Forest). The Tigers went 24-12 last season, but missed the tournament. Three seasons ago they were 30-5 but lost in the first round of the tournament.
