Missouri Tigers coach Dennis Gates faced a challenging 2022-2023 season with his team going 0-18 in conference play. Gates leaned on mentor Leonard Hamilton to guide him through the struggles. Hamilton shared experiences from his own winless season at Miami in 1993-1994, offering advice and support to help Gates navigate through the difficulties of a losing streak. This support, combined with a healthier roster and a revamped offense, allowed Missouri to achieve a remarkable turnaround this season.
After finishing 8-24 last year, the Tigers now boast a 22-11 record and secured a spot in the NCAA tournament. Gates, who had a successful first season with the Tigers before the slump, credited his team’s resilience and the guidance he received from his mentors for the remarkable transformation. The Tigers’ offensive prowess, led by key players such as Mark Mitchell, Tamar Bates, and Anthony Robinson, has been a driving force behind their success this season. Mitchell and Bates have been instrumental in elevating Missouri’s scoring game, with the team setting new records for high-scoring games this season.
Gates’ ability to rebuild teams quickly was evident during his tenure at Cleveland State, where he led the team to its first NCAA tournament in over a decade in just his second season. By following the lessons learned from mentors like Hamilton, Gates has developed a blueprint for success that prioritizes player fit and team chemistry. The support and wisdom offered by mentors like Hamilton have been crucial in Gates’ coaching journey, showcasing the power of mentorship and perseverance in the face of adversity.
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