There will be no “Midnight Madness” at Missouri this year.

For coach Quin Snyder, the annual opening practice at just after midnight tonight will be just that — a practice — as the Tigers begin preparations for the season. In past seasons, the team scrimmaged.

“You know what I didn’t like was it was a glorified pickup game,” Snyder said. “All of a sudden it’s like reflective of who we are as a team, and I didn’t want that to be the first impression.”

So instead of hoisting lots of jump shots and having fun with the fast break, there will be more of a meat-and-potatoes aspect to Missouri’s initial workout.

“We’re going to practice at midnight, we’re not just going to toss it up,” Snyder said. “It’ll be fun. They’re going to get after it.”

Missouri has made the NCAA Tournament for four straight years for the first time in school history, and returns four starters. Center Arthur Johnson and guard Rickey Paulding are back for their senior seasons. Also back are sophomore guard Jimmy McKinney and junior forward Travon Bryant.

Transfer Randy Pulley likely will start at point guard.

Missouri, 22-11 last season, is under NCAA investigation for its dealings with former guard Ricky Clemons, and Snyder is eager to get to work.

“I’m excited,” he said. “I don’t know if it will be a relief, but I’m looking forward to coaching this team, there’s no question.”

Missouri opens Nov. 29 at Oakland University in Detroit.