The entire face, image and perception of the program has changed the last four weeks, starting with the hire of Cuonzo Martin. That's set off a chain reaction of events that has transformed the Tigers from one of the worst Division I basketball teams in the country to one that could land in the preseason Top 25.

Wow, just wow.

"I've quickly noticed the excitement that is in the air in Columbia," said new assistant coach Nicodemus Christopher, who followed Martin from California to Missouri. "It's an amazing feeling. The support for Mizzou's program is everywhere, from the students, to those Antlers, to local business owners.

"You can tell everyone wants Mizzou basketball to succeed."

The excitement is certainly palpable, from buzz among fans, to a big jump in ticket sales, to signs hanging all around campus welcoming their new stars to the Tigers.

Porter, of course, is the 5-star recruit everyone coveted, the No. 1 recruit in the world. Porter decommitted from the University of Washington when his godfather, Lorenzo Romar, was fired and Porter chose to come home to Columbia to join his father, Michael Sr., who was hired on Martin's coaching staff.

"Mizzou is my home," Michael Jr. said in a statement. "I lived in Columbia from fifth grade all the way until my senior year of high school. That place has shown me so much love and I want to give back to that.

"I want to get Mizzou Basketball back to the atmosphere I know it can be.”

Porter Jr. joining the Tigers has proven to be a lot more than just Porter Jr. joining the Tigers. Others are following.

Detractors who fear Porter will be a one and done player just don't get it --- his overall impact on the program is immense.

Besides the dynamic 6-10 former Tolton superstar, the Tigers have also kept top recruit C.J. Roberts; received a commitment from 6-3 point guard and highly-regarded 3-star recruit Blake Harris, who also left Washington; and are in the running --- and probably in the lead --- to land 6-8 forward Kevin Knox, a 5-star recruit who's considered the No. 9 prospect in the country.

In addition, there are two or three other players still in Martin's crosshairs.

Porter --- who became good friends with Knox through Nike events --- and Harris welcomed Knox to Columbia over the weekend, courting him in an attempt to convince him to join the team and complete this year's transformation.

And what a transformation it's been.

It's all good except for one piece in this chain reaction, and that was the firing of one of Mizzou's favorite sons, Kim Anderson. Anderson certainly took one for the team and his school, bridging the gap between the disaster of Frank Haith and this new era of Tiger basketball.

Anderson's certainly smiling about what's happening --- that underscores his love for the university --- but rest assured, it's a sad smile. What could have been ...

Now, Mizzou fans can't wait to tailgate this fall so they can talk to their seasonal friends about basketball. It may be the only reason to get excited about football, as most fans wouldn't mind skipping the season and going straight to basketball.

Let's enjoy summer, first. But then ...

Bring on Kentucky.