Birmingham, Alabama, October 16, 2025
News Summary
During the SEC Tipoff event in Birmingham, Alabama, Missouri men’s basketball head coach Dennis Gates previewed the upcoming season. Gates highlighted last season’s historic success and stressed the importance of team values as the Tigers prepare for their opener against Howard University. With a positive locker room culture and a focus on recruiting committed players, Gates aims for the team to reach the NCAA Tournament again. The blend of veteran players and promising freshmen adds to the excitement as they transition into a new season.
Birmingham, Alabama
Missouri men’s basketball head coach Dennis Gates previewed the upcoming season at the SEC Tipoff event held in Birmingham, Alabama on Wednesday. The Tigers are set to commence their season on November 3, facing Howard University. Gates expressed his appreciation for SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and associate commissioner Garth Glissman, acknowledging their contributions to men’s basketball.
During his address, Gates highlighted the success of the last season, which was framed as a historic run for Missouri. He emphasized the importance of team values such as friendship, love, accountability, trust, discipline, unselfishness, enthusiasm, and toughness as central to his coaching philosophy. The team is currently described as being in a “fight-and-focus mode” as they prepare for the new season.
Gates noted the positive locker room culture, mentioning excitement amongst the players and a blend of veteran experience with new talent. The team welcomed two freshmen who have performed well while adjusting to the team dynamics. Gates also discussed the cultural shift that contributed to Missouri’s transformation after a challenging season, where they finished with an 0-18 conference record.
The head coach stressed the significance of recruitment and ensuring player buy-in as foundational elements for building a successful program. His coaching methods draw from experiences with notable figures such as Leonard Hamilton and from prior coaching stints. Senior Mark Mitchell, a transfer from Duke, was recognized with a preseason All-SEC second team selection and has been encouraged by Gates to play more aggressively.
Last season, Missouri made tremendous improvements in offensive efficiency, rising from 138th to 8th in the nation. This leap in performance has been attributed to strategic personnel adjustments and changes in the team’s scheme. Gates highlighted that retaining skilled players is critical for nurturing a solid team culture, and noted Anthony Robinson II’s significant improvement in shooting percentages during training as a positive development.
Missouri celebrated key victories last season, including wins against Florida, Kansas, and Alabama, which are vital for the program’s future and for recruitment efforts. Gates has set a goal for Missouri to reach the NCAA Tournament for the third time in his four-year tenure. This season, the Tigers are expected to have a stronger reliance on returning players, maintaining the second-most minutes logged in the SEC.
Gates indicated a strategic shift in focus towards recruiting players who are likely to stay with the program for multiple seasons, as opposed to relying on one-and-done transfers.
FAQ
When does the Missouri men’s basketball team begin its season?
The Missouri men’s basketball team is set to begin its season on November 3 at Howard University.
What did Dennis Gates highlight about last season?
Gates highlighted the accomplishment of last season, noting that it was part of a historic run for the team.
What cultural changes has Coach Gates implemented?
Gates discussed the cultural transformation that propelled Missouri to its success after an 0-18 conference season the previous year.
Who received a preseason All-SEC selection?
Mark Mitchell, a senior and transfer from Duke, received a preseason All-SEC second team selection.
What is the team’s focus regarding recruitment?
Gates indicated a shift in focus towards recruiting players who can remain with the program for multiple years, rather than one-and-done transfers.
Key Features of the Missouri Basketball Season Preview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Season Start Date | November 3 at Howard University |
| Coaching Philosophy | Focus on friendship, accountability, discipline, and player development |
| Team Dynamics | Exciting locker room culture with veteran presence and freshmen adaptability |
| Recruitment Strategy | Shift towards multi-year players instead of one-and-done transfers |
| Previous Season Achievements | Improved offensive efficiency from 138th to 8th |
| Key Players | Mark Mitchell (All-SEC selection), Anthony Robinson II (improved shooting percentages) |
| Goals | Aim for NCAA Tournament appearance for the third time in four years |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Excitement Builds for Women’s Basketball Showdown in Normal
Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated
- Columbia Tribune
- 247 Sports
- Kansas City Star
- Hoops HQ
- Wikipedia: Missouri Tigers
- Google Search: Missouri basketball
- Google Scholar: Missouri basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missouri basketball
- Google News: Missouri basketball
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
