Tigers sign only member in '07 class

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri signed Justin Safford to a national letter of intent, making the 6-foot-8 forward the only member of the Tigers' 2007 recruiting class.

Safford signed on Wednesday, the first day of the spring signing period.

A native of Bloomington, Ill., Safford averaged 17.8 points and 11.5 rebounds while leading Charis Prep in Goldsboro, N.C., to a 36-8 record. Before that, he was a three-year starter for Bloomington Central Catholic.

"It was well worth the wait to sign with Missouri," Safford said in a statement. "Living in the state of Illinois, I grew up an Illinois fan. But after talking with my family, we know coach [Mike] Anderson has something special going on at Missouri."

Anderson had only one scholarship to offer, unless a player currently under scholarship leaves. Safford will be joined next season by newcomer DeMarre Carroll, a 6-foot-8 junior who transferred from Vanderbilt and had to sit out last season.

"We were able to be very selective in the recruiting process and with Justin, we found a young man that has the 'want to' to improve, and more importantly, the work ethic to make it happen," Anderson said.

Mizzou Caravan

Missouri coaches and administrators will visit Cape Girardeau on April 30 as part of the Mizzou Caravan.

The public is invited to attend the 6:45 p.m. program at the Drury Lodge. A reception will proceed the program at 6 p.m. The event will be emceed by radio broadcaster Mike Kelly. Coaches at the event will be Anderson, women's basketball coach Cindy Stein and wrestling coach Brian Smith.