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New coach Haith talks MU’s basketball future

Frank Haith speaks to reporters after being introduced as the 17th head men's basketball coach at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. on April 5, 2011.
(UPI/University of Missouri)
Frank Haith speaks to reporters after being introduced as the 17th head men's basketball coach at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. on April 5, 2011.

Reporting from KBIA's Nick Adams used in this report.

A day after being hired as the new University of Missouri basketball coach, Frank Haith held a press conference this morning at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo.

Frank Haith talked about how excited he is for this opportunity and also addressed the negativity some fans expressed in reaction to his hiring. He says he actually sees that as a positive because of the passion the fans show about their basketball team. Haith also says recruiting players from Missouri is vital for Mizzou basketball.

“And I will tell you we have to do the job in this state. We have to. From Kansas City to St. Louis to all over this state, we’ve got to do a great job,” Haith said.

Haith coached the University of Miami since 2004 before leaving for Missouri, but he is not a stranger to the Big 12 conference. He was also an assistant coach for both Texas and Texas A&M. Mizzou signed Haith to a six-year, $1.5 million contract.