Here’s a bold statement: In a world where college basketball programs often crumble under pressure, Mizzou’s men’s basketball team is defying the odds by rebuilding not just their roster, but their entire culture. But here’s where it gets controversial—can a program that went 0-18 just a season ago truly transform into a championship contender? At SEC Media Days in Birmingham, Alabama, coach Dennis Gates, alongside Jacob Crews and captains Mark Mitchell and Anthony Robinson II, made a compelling case that Mizzou’s resurgence is no fluke—it’s a testament to authenticity and resilience.
Gates didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room: the disastrous 2023-24 season. Instead, he framed it as a turning point. ‘We attracted players like Mark Mitchell, who transferred from Duke—a powerhouse program—to a team that had just gone winless,’ Gates explained. ‘That’s not just about me; it’s about the culture we’re building. It’s authentic. It’s real.’ Mitchell, a senior forward, echoed this sentiment, noting, ‘Coming from Duke, I could feel this wasn’t a losing place. There was a structure, a winning culture, even in the midst of struggle.’
And this is the part most people miss—Mizzou’s 22-12 turnaround in 2024-25 wasn’t just about talent; it was about leadership and retention. Gates emphasized the importance of players like Mitchell and Robinson, who aren’t just stars on the court but also culture carriers off it. Meanwhile, third-year player Trent Pierce aims to lead by example, and sophomore T.O. Barrett is dedicated to helping freshmen navigate the pressures of Division I basketball.
Gates credits his own growth to mentors like Leonard Hamilton, who once endured a 7-20 season at Miami. ‘I learned from his failures, not his trophies,’ Gates said. ‘I knew that wherever I went, I’d have to build something from the ground up.’ That mindset was evident last season when he treated it as a reset, recruiting players like Crews, who found his role after initial struggles. ‘I realized what I was here for,’ Crews admitted. ‘Having another year with Coach Gates made all the difference.’
Mizzou’s success isn’t just about individual talent—it’s about a system. Their 10-8 league record, including wins over eventual champion Florida and then-fourth-ranked Alabama, showcased Gates’s DNA: a relentless, disruptive style. But here’s the controversial question: Can they sustain this momentum in a conference as brutal as the SEC? With a taller, more athletic roster and a defensive motto of ‘TPD’—tough, physical, disruptive—they’re certainly built for it. Players like 7-foot senior Shawn Phillips Jr. and 6-foot-11 Jevon Porter will make the paint a no-fly zone.
As Mizzou prepares for their exhibition game against Kansas State on October 24, the question remains: Is this team a one-season wonder, or are they on the brink of something historic? Gates believes the latter, but only time will tell. What do you think? Is Mizzou’s culture strong enough to carry them to the NCAA Tournament—and beyond? Let us know in the comments!
