LIKE IT IS

Anderson putting his stamp on program

Arkansas head coach Mike Anderson looks at his players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri Tuesday, March 5, 2013, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)
Arkansas head coach Mike Anderson looks at his players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri Tuesday, March 5, 2013, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Mike Anderson’s voice was raspy, mostly from the drastic weather changes that have affected so many people’s sinuses, but his words were enthusiastic and sincere.

He obviously relishes the challenge of surviving and advancing, the mantra for every school playing in a conference tournament that has an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

In the back of the room sitting quietly with her mom was Anderson’s wife, Marcheita.

She is part of the program, always has been and always will be, but it is a great example of marriage and commitment for young people to witness on a daily basis.

When Anderson talks about family, he means his immediate family and everyone in the Razorbacks basketball program, and what he doesn’t talk about is the impact he personally has on the players.

Sitting to his right was a prime example: Marshawn Powell.

Powell came to Arkansas as a talented young player who at times seemed to have trouble controlling his emotions on the court, would get an angry, dropped eyebrow look and seemed to play mind games with himself.

Now, he’s the obvious leader of the Razorbacks, something that showed up early.

After a victory over Oklahoma earlier this season, Anderson praised the junior forward for pulling the team together after losing to Syracuse. Arkansas’ only home loss of the season was to the Orange, who are ranked No. 19 in the country.

When Powell heard Anderson’s praise, he responded like the ultimate team player.

“We have got a bunch of young guys and everybody was hanging their heads and thinking the season is over because we lost one game,” Powell said. “It is too long a season and we have plenty more games to play, plenty more big-time competition to play. We have plenty of chances to make ourselves better. So, that is what I told them.”

Powell missed all but two games last season after a knee injury and surgery, but there has been no drop-off this season as he’s averaged almost 15 points and more than five rebounds per game.

His importance has been illustrated when he’s been in foul trouble, like the last time the Hogs played Vanderbilt, who they beat by 23 in their first game but lost to by 18 points when Powell was limited. The Hogs also lost their conference opener to Texas A&M when Powell was limited to 12 minutes because of fouls.

When the Razorbacks stunned Florida in their first meeting, he had 11 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and was the most tenacious defensive player on the floor. The way he plays defense now compared with the past is night and day.

“I think he’s one of those forwards in the league that is really a complete player,” Florida Coach Billy Donovan said. “He can do a little bit of everything. A guy like him, when you watch him play, wherever he catches the ball on the floor he’s a scoring threat. You can’t say that for a lot of great scorers. He can go create and make things happens. He’s very talented.”

So when asked about the difference in the two games with Vanderbilt, Powell admitted it came down to fouls.

“I have a lot of cheap fouls, reaching in and not moving my feet,” he said.

Obviously that is something the Razorbacks can’t afford tonight in this survive-and-advance tournament.

Powell, who turned 23 in January, is most likely going to look at playing professionally after this season, but there is nothing in his attitude to indicate he has one foot out the door.

In fact, his whole attitude seems different these days.

A lot of that credit goes to the guy who had the raspy voice Wednesday, which he may lose by the end of tonight’s game.

That’s Mike Anderson, the head of the family.

Sports, Pages 19 on 03/14/2013

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