Kim Anderson thanks the crowd for their support following the Auburn win (photo/Mizzou Athletics)

Kim Anderson thanks the crowd for their support following the Auburn win (photo/Mizzou Athletics)

Immediately after the Tigers 63-61 win over Auburn, the fans at Mizzou Arena were asked to wait around for head coach Kim Anderson who had to give a postgame interview on the SEC Network.  Once finished, Anderson grabbed the house mic and addressed those that remained.

“I know it’s not the year you wanted, it’s not the year I wanted, not the year anybody wanted,” Anderson said to the crowd.

I asked him after the game why he felt it was important to express his gratitude to the fans.

The victory was just the Tigers third in SEC play in what has turned out to be a disappointing first year for Anderson.  It’s real easy for a coach to address the home crowd after a 25 win season or league championship.  It’s another to stand before them, no matter how sparse, to thank them.