Whenever a team is forced to go with a new coach, it isn’t supposed to be successful for the next couple of years. The new coach needs to implement a new system, obtain his types of players on the team and engrain in his players’ minds how to win a basketball game running his style of offense.

These have not been issues for Missouri, which, if it keeps up this kind of play, can compete with the nation’s elite.

So, why has MU been so successful this year? It comes down to the hard work put in by the athletes and their immediate response to coach Frank Haith’s style.

Missouri’s margin of victory thus far is 26 points per game. At this time last year, the Tigers held a margin of victory of only 11 points per game.

This year, the starters are looking more comfortable with Haith at the helm and the way players are contributing some productive minutes. The offense looks cleaner and the defense looks as good as ever. With both elements being performed at a high level, there is no question as to why the Tigers are demolishing their opponents.

Senior guard Marcus Denmon has led all scorers with more than 21 points per game and 50 percent shooting from three-point range. He’s been a leader on the team this year and has shown that his continued work ethic is paying off.

It has also been a breakout season for senior guard-turned-forward Kim English. He is shooting more than 50 percent from the field and averages 16 points per game. This is after a year in which he struggled shooting the ball. Last year, he ended up shooting about 36 percent and averaged 10 points per game. This season, he looks significantly more comfortable and is showing that he has worked to improve his game.

Missouri has arguably looked like the best team in the Big 12 Conference this season and is finally starting to receive recognition as a national contender. The Tigers are one of only 14 teams still undefeated this season. They haven’t shown any signs of slowing down thus far. The next few games will act as a warm-up for their next tough challenge, Illinois.

It could be argued that the schedule for Missouri has been pretty easy thus far. The Tigers have mostly played teams that aren’t able to compete with them. Nonetheless, the Tigers take care of business. They don’t give their opponent an ounce of hope. Plus with a 39-point victory over then-No. 18 California, it’s hard to argue that MU is all show without any tests. As the season goes on, Missouri will be faced with tougher tasks that, given its performance thus far, should be manageable.

Coming into the season, I honestly didn’t expect much from the Tigers. I figured that this year would be filled with transition and players trying to figure out a whole new style of play.

But the Tigers have responded well and come together to become a good team that plays together and achieves results. There seems to be a bright season ahead for the Tigers and a bright future for Frank Haith at Missouri.