Once considered one of the weakest teams in college basketball, Missouri has achieved a remarkable transformation. A year ago, Coach Dennis Gates of Missouri faced sleepless nights as his team was heading towards an 0-18 record in conference play, marking the school's worst performance in over a century. During those challenging times, Gates often reached out to his mentor, Leonard Hamilton, the head coach at Florida State, for guidance. Gates had previously worked under Hamilton for eight years as an assistant at Florida State and valued his insights, especially since Hamilton had experienced a similar winless season with Miami in 1993-94.
Gates frequently called Hamilton late at night, seeking advice and support. Hamilton, who often answered on the first ring, provided encouragement and wisdom. This mentorship, combined with a healthier team and a potent offense, has led to Missouri's historic turnaround. This season, Missouri is expected to be one of the 68 teams in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, a year after finishing 0-18 in the Southeastern Conference and 8-24 overall. Now, they boast a 22-11 record, with a 10-8 standing in the SEC, marking the first time a team has gone from winless to double-digit conference victories in SEC history.
Missouri's success is partly due to their improved offense, which has climbed from 215th to eighth in national scoring rankings. The team has defeated top-ranked opponents like Alabama, Florida, and Kansas. Kentucky's coach, Mark Pope, has called Missouri's journey one of the great stories in college basketball.
Gates, who led Missouri to a 25-10 record and a second-round NCAA tournament appearance in his first season, has shown resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges of recruiting through the transfer portal, he has successfully built a team that fits his system. Last season, Missouri players missed 111 games due to injuries, including key players like John Tonje and Caleb Grill. This season, Grill has returned to form, averaging 14.2 points per game and earning the SEC’s Sixth Man of the Year award.
Missouri's administration showed patience during the team's struggles, allowing Gates to maintain his staff and focus on rebuilding. Gates credits the support from the school's leadership and his coaching team for the turnaround. He emphasizes the importance of building a program from the ground up, rather than making drastic changes.
Gates' approach has been praised by Garth Glissman, an SEC associate commissioner, for his loyalty to his players and strategic roster enhancements. Missouri's roster includes key returning players and impactful transfers, contributing to their success.
The Tigers have achieved significant offensive milestones this season, scoring over 100 points in SEC games for the first time since joining the conference in 2012. This season is on track to be their highest-scoring since 1989-90.
Gates has a history of quick turnarounds, having led Cleveland State to the NCAA tournament in his second year as head coach. His success is rooted in lessons learned from Hamilton and the importance of player fit. As Hamilton retires after a long and successful coaching career, he continues to support Gates, who he believes is an exceptional coach.