Missouri’s Dennis Gates Transforms Team After Historic Winless Season

COLUMBIA, Mo. — After a challenging start to his coaching tenure, Dennis Gates has transformed the University of Missouri men’s basketball team into a contender. Just a year after an unprecedented winless conference season, the Tigers are now thriving, boasting a 19-6 record and a No. 15 ranking in the AP poll.

Gates, who began his tenure at Missouri with a successful season in which the Tigers reached the NCAA Tournament, faced a dramatic setback in Year 2 when the team finished 0-18 in conference play. “I don’t know of an 0-18 coach that ain’t got fired,” Gates said, acknowledging the weight of historical context surrounding coaching failures.

Rather than give in to despair, Gates leaned on the wisdom of Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If,” which emphasizes treating triumph and disaster with equanimity. His steady demeanor resonated with both players and coaches. Gabe DeArmond, who has covered Missouri athletics for over two decades, remarked, “He is the most even-keeled person emotionally that I’ve ever seen.” This calm approach helped the team focus and regroup as it transitioned to a new season.

After retaining five key players, including three starters, Gates utilized the transfer portal to build a well-rounded squad that reflects rapid adjustments seen across college basketball today. The team’s performance against powerhouse rivals, including an upset against Kansas, has illustrated the effectiveness of Gates’ strategies and cohesive team culture. “We had to be a participant in our own rescue,” Tamar Bates, one of the returning players, stated, reflecting on the team’s determination and growth.

The 2023-24 Tigers suffered numerous injuries, with over 100 games missed collectively by key players, hampering any likelihood of a fruitful season. Yet Gates remained resolute in his belief that his processes were sound, echoing the sentiments from his previous experiences at Cleveland State.

Amidst these challenges, Gates focused on a mental reset, even instructing his staff to switch offices and repaint them as part of a comprehensive approach to refresh the program’s mindset. “If we’re going to ask the returning players to do it, we have to do it,” he articulated. This psychological reset aimed to prepare the team for a new beginning, free from the burdens of past losses.

With a mix of established players and newcomers including sought-after transfers, Missouri has been earning recognition not only for its winning record but for its successful team dynamics. The Tigers emphasize a preparation-first mentality, as illustrated by their standout performance against Oklahoma where they scored significantly in the paint.

Gates’ emphasis on unselfish play has reshaped the narratives around players, particularly Caleb Grill, who is now a pivotal presence in the team’s leadership despite early career struggles at Iowa State. “He has just exceeded every expectation I had for him as a human being from being able to handle pressure situations,” said assistant Kyle Smithpeters.

Meanwhile, newcomer Mark Mitchell has blossomed under Gates’ mentorship, transforming from a less effective player at Duke to a critical asset for Missouri. His development reflects Gates’ knack for fostering talent and building a competitive team fabric.

As the Tigers continue to pursue their journey within the fiercely competitive SEC, they aim high with aspirations of not just a successful season but advancement in the NCAA Tournament. Gates quotes his goal for a potential Final Four run, envisioning the team living out a “documentary-worthy” narrative.

Historically, few coaches have recovered from a winless conference season, but Gates’ commitment to building a resilient and cohesive team has positioned Missouri as a formidable force this year. With new memories of triumph, the Tigers look ahead to what could be a defining chapter in their basketball legacy.