During Mizzou basketball’s inaugural major media gathering of the season, Coach Dennis Gates was explicit about his ambitions for the team. When asked about the program’s goals, Gates quickly asserted, “Final Four and national championship,” reflecting his high aspirations.
This isn’t the first time Gates has set lofty expectations; he has maintained this mindset for each of his previous three seasons at Mizzou. Such a mindset has contributed to the Tigers’ two NCAA Tournament appearances so far. This year, Mizzou aims to progress beyond the Round of 32, a feat they haven’t achieved since 2009.
“I’m excited about being able to go to the NCAA Tournament,” Gates stated. “I’m not just excited because we reached it last year; I genuinely believe we had a team capable of winning a national championship last season but didn’t advance. It’s one thing to qualify; it’s another to progress, and I’m eager to not just reach the tournament but to win games.”
With the season opener against Howard still weeks away, optimism fills the college basketball landscape, and Mizzou is no exception. The Tigers hold the No. 28 spot in KenPom’s rankings, No. 7 in the SEC Preseason poll, showed up on four AP Top 25 lists, and had Mark Mitchell recognized on the preseason All-SEC second team.
In his fourth season, following two underwhelming postseason performances and a challenging previous year, securing a breakthrough feels paramount for the program.
“There are good days and bad days,” Gates acknowledged, “but relying on our strengths is essential as we aim for moments that are long overdue.”
Increased Size and Speed
When players were asked what sets this year’s team apart, a shared theme emerged: the squad boasts more size and length than in previous seasons.
“The coaches keep saying that we’re the biggest team in the country,” commented guard Aaron Rowe. “It’s an intimidating prospect.”
Mizzou has seven players standing 6-foot-9 or taller, marking a program record. Four of these players—Shawn Phillips Jr., Jevon Porter, Luke Northweather, and Nicholas Randall—are new additions to the team.
