Long before Quin Snyder's Missouri Tigers tipped off their ESPN clash Wednesday with the deep, big and dangerous DePaul Blue Demons, Mel Daniels, the former ABA star and current Indiana Pacers scout, preached a simple sermon on the keys to winning at basketball.
Chemistry is created when players accept their roles.
Daniels' words hung with me as the Tigers and Blue Demons warred on the court. Snyder has assembled quite a cast. Sophomore forward Kareem Rush might be the Big 12's best player. Guards Clarence Gilbert and Brian Grawer are proven shooters. T.J. Soyoye has the size and body to defend and rebound in the low post.