Mark Mitchell is Missouri’s returning leading scorer at 13.9 ppg. as he shot 50.5 percent from the floor. He will be one of the primary options in Coach Dennis Gates’ offense. Photo courtesy of Missouri Athletics.
Last season, Coach Dennis Gates took Missouri to 22 wins and a 10-8 SEC ledger, which allowed them to finish tied for sixth as the league placed a record 14 teams in the NCAA Tournament.
Missouri is the only team to return three starters, as Mark Mitchell, Anthony Robinson, II, and Trent Pierce will give the Tigers an upper hand on many of its opponents.
“What we were able to attract, like a Mark Mitchell who transferred from Duke University to a program that was 0–18, that speaks for the culture, that speaks for the institution,” said Gates. “Obviously, it speaks for me. He came and wanted to play for me. I appreciate a young man who does that.”
Gates also mentioned Tamar Bates and Caleb Grill, a couple of transfers who played at a high level for the Tigers last season.
“I want to see Mark Mitchell rebound a little bit more from an analytical standpoint because I do think that will help his future in basketball,” Gates explained. “The other thing is to continue to be the unselfish spirit and the great leader that I think he can be on and off the court.”
Mitchell averaged 13.9 points per game and shot 50.5 percent from the field. Gates admonished him to pick up his aggression, and he moved it forward after he was benched for the last 10 minutes of a win over Texas A&M.
“They had a culture in place and a structure in place for the team,” said Mitchell, who transferred from Duke. “It (2023-24) was an unfortunate year for them, but once I talked to them and got to know how they run the program, I knew it was the place I wanted to be.”
Instinctiveness on ‘D’: Guard Anthony Robinson, II, can score the ball, but he turned into Gates’ defensive stopper. In fact, he was the only all-defensive player in the SEC to return for this season.
Robinson finished last season second in the SEC in steals with 2.03 per game. He played 23 minutes per game and had 67 steals and 56 turnovers with 114 assists in the Tigers’ 34 games.
“I believe it’s just like an instinct, just being a competitive person and just wanting to win,” explained Robinson. “And you know, watch a little Jrue Holiday and Andrew Nembhard, just guys who watch the little stuff. I love that you know about these guys I’ve been watching.”
At 6-10, Trent Piece featured the same type of instinct and competitveness as he was an inside-outside player, who also became a tough matchup in a 3-guard or power forward role.
Confidence at a High Level: Gates rebuilt the confidence he solidified this program with how the Tigers played and finished last season.
Graduate Jacob Crews was a key role player as he played 12.9 minutes in 33 games and performed his role as a 6-8 forward/guard who could find the three, making 40.
“I can tell you right now, Coach Gates told me he wants 100 threes made from me this season,” Crews commented. “For the team, I want to make it further in the tournament and win the SEC Championship, too. I want to be a better leader this year, learning something every day.”
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