Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin has a job to do, and it doesn't matter that it's against No. 21 Tennessee.

Martin, in his first season with the Tigers (12-5, 2-2 SEC) coached the Volunteers (12-4, 3-2) for three seasons from 2011-14. He went 63-41 during that time, earning two NIT appearances and one NCAA regional semifinal berth.

Missouri hosts Martin's former team on Wednesday night, a game he says means no more than any other conference game. While in Knoxville, Martin largely coached under the shadow of former Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl — who many fans wanted to return despite being fired because of an NCAA investigation.

In his first year with Missouri, Martin has taken an 8-24 team a year ago and turned it into an NCAA Tournament contender.