Former Tigers: Have Some Faith In Haith

In hiring Frank Haith as the 17th men’s basketball coach in school history, the University of Missouri definitely turned some heads – some of them so much so that they were actually spinning, it would seem.

That type of instant negative reaction was typical through much of the MU fanbase in recent days, but a handful of former Mizzou players who played their high school ball in and around Creve Coeur see things a little differently.

Former star Corey Tate is one of those people. Having just finished his sixth season as the head coach at Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Mo., Tate says fans should give their new coach a chance.

“I would say that this is how the Missouri fans felt when they hired Mike Anderson and look what he did for the program,” Tate said. “I would tell people to be cautious before you pre-judge someone – give them an opportunity. I think he did a good job at the University of Miami and had success as an assistant in Texas. I’m pretty sure he knows how to recruit. I think Missouri could be in good hands with him.”

Steve Stipanovich, who starred at Missouri in the early 80’s after a hugely successful career at , echoed Tate’s sentiment.

“I think it’s easy to sit back and tell Athletic Director Mike Alden and those involved what they should and shouldn’t do, but I just have to have faith in the process,” Stipanovich, now the girls head coach at said. “Alden was hired to do a job, so let him do his job. I think this could be a great hire. Just because he wasn’t on anybody’s radar doesn’t mean he can’t coach. If you look deeper into his history you see he can coach and he is a great recruiter. I’m very optimistic.”

Even Haith, though, realizes there are some skeptics out there

“I also understand this is the Show-Me State,” Haith said during his introduction as head coach earlier this week. “Fans want to know that you are just as invested in them and their program as they are in you. And we will work tirelessly on the recruiting trail and we will develop first class young men, not only with the way they perform on the basketball court, but how they conduct themselves academically and in our community.”

While the fan base continues to ask questions, Alden believes that Haith fits what was supposed to be one of the most important criteria for Missouri’s next coach – his desire to be in Columbia.

“Frank has demonstrated throughout his career that he fits the criteria we were looking for.  He’s graduated 21-of-22 of his players while at Miami. He is recognized as one of the top recruiters in the nation and his Midwest ties fit very well with what we’re needing right now,” Alden said. “His entire reputation is based on building young men of character, and his work ethic is above reproach.  Frank has the character and integrity we are looking for, and he’s someone who is very excited to be a Missouri Tiger. And of course, we feel that all of these qualities combined, when given the opportunity at a program with a proud tradition and resources such as ours at Mizzou, that he’s going to win at a very high level.”

Haith's desire to actually be a part of the program is something Stipanovich feels is important, too.

“Who’s to say this guy is not the guy? Here’s a guy that probably would really feel good about coming to Mizzou and wants to come here,” he said. “My gut feeling tells me this guy can coach. As fans, what do we know? Give this guy a chance. I have to believe that Alden has more information that I do or fans do. Alden has hired some good coaches

Brian Grawer, a 1997 graduate of Pattonville High School who both played and coached at Missouri, thinks Haith has a good chance to succeed if he does two things: Win and recruit in-state.

“The main thing Missouri wants is to win and have a good program, and all of the questions will be easily forgotten if he comes in and brings a successful brand of basketball,” Grawer said. “As long as we have a coach that is going to work the state and produce victories,” Grawer said. “Time will tell. All reports are that (Haith) is a great man and that’s what they need.”

One man in Creve Coeur this week has seen Haith's work up close. That's Miami Heat Vice President of Player Programs Alonzo Mourning, in town to present Brad Beal with the. He told Patch that his son has attended Haith's basketball camp at the University of Miami, and described the new man in charge of Tiger basketball as "a perfectionist."

 "I feel like he’s going to exemplify those same qualities right here in Missouri. You can expect some great things to evolve.”

 Tiger Nation has no choice but to be patient. We’ll all know soon enough.