New coach Frank Haith and his staff at Missouri have wasted little time. With lots of scholarships to fill for the class of 2012, the Tigers picked up their first commitment from that class when Quantel Denson committed over the phone on Friday morning.

An athletic 6-foot-8 power forward, Denson is a Kansas City area native who just wrapped up a freshman year at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College.

"I thank the coaching staff for this opportunity," Denson told Rivals.com. "I can't wait to be a Tiger."

Because they will be handing out at least six scholarships in 2012, landing some experience was a Missouri priority. Denson would seem to fit the bill.

A kid who has improved rapidly since his high school days at Grandview (Mo.) High, Denson is emerging as one of the top juco prospects in the class of 2012.

Quick around the rim, he's got some scoring tools facing out to 15 feet, runs the floor and rebounds in and out his area.

For now, Denson isn't worried about defining his role as a Tiger. He's just looking forward to playing.

"Only time will tell," said Denson of how he'll most impact the rotation at Mizzou. "I'm not going into Mizzou with a mindset of what role I will play, but more of an attitude of play any role they give me the best."

While the three-star Denson is Missouri's first commitment from the class of 2012. The Tigers are already on the board in 2013 with four-star Ishmail Wainright and big man Tyrek Coger.