Anderson Leaves Mizzou For Arkansas

Missouri coach Mike Anderson has agreed to become Arkansas' next head basketball coach, the school announced Wednesday night.

Anderson, a former assistant for 17 years under Nolan Richardson, wavered for several days on whether or not to make the move. In fact, earlier Wednesday, a source told ESPN that Missouri expected Anderson to stay.

"Under Mike's leadership, I am confident the Razorbacks will be successful in the future on and off the court," Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long said in a statement. "The decision to hire Mike Anderson as head coach is based on my firm belief that he is the right person to lead the Razorback program today and in the years to come."

Missouri has made the NCAA tournament three times in Anderson's five years, and the Tigers reached the Elite Eight in 2009.

Missouri finished 23-11 this year and was bounced in the NCAA Tournament’s second round, but the majority of its players should return next season.

Arkansas fired coach John Pelphrey earlier this month. Pelphrey had locked up what many considered a top-10 recruiting class on the heels of an 18-13 season.

Pelphrey came under fire prior to his dismal when, according to a report from CBSSports.com, he committed an NCAA violation when he had off-campus contact with two players from the Class of 2012.