Get ready for an electrifying season of Mizzou men's basketball! At the highly anticipated Media Day, Coach Dennis Gates boldly declared his unwavering belief in the team's potential, aiming for nothing less than a Final Four and national championship.
But here's where it gets intriguing: this isn't the first time Gates has set such lofty goals. He's been consistently vocal about these expectations, and his teams have responded with two NCAA Tournament appearances. However, the real challenge lies in advancing past the Round of 32, a feat Mizzou hasn't accomplished since 2009.
"I'm not just aiming for the tournament; I believe we had the talent to win it all last year," Gates stated, emphasizing the importance of not just reaching the tournament but making a deep run. And this year, with a top-30 ranking in KenPom and a strong showing in the SEC Preseason poll, the Tigers are poised to make some noise.
One of the most exciting aspects of this year's team is their size and length. With seven players standing at 6-foot-9 or taller, Mizzou boasts the tallest roster in program history. Graduate assistant Tre Gomillion believes this unique size advantage will significantly impact their defense, allowing them to dominate in shot-blocking, pass deflection, and challenging shots.
The players themselves are thrilled about the team's potential. Guard Aaron Rowe believes their size will be a terrifying asset, while Anthony Robinson II predicts they'll have one of the best defenses in the country. Robinson II, a rising star with NBA Draft potential, is coming off a stellar sophomore season where he significantly improved his offensive output, especially from beyond the arc.
And here's the part most people miss: despite his impressive development, Robinson II is still being pushed to shoot even more. Coach Gates wants to see an increase in volume while maintaining efficiency, a challenging task that could further elevate his NBA prospects.
Other noteworthy points from Media Day:
- Mizzou will maintain its fast-paced style and continue firing away from downtown, with a projected 800 3-pointers this season.
- Trent Burns is making excellent progress in his foot rehab.
- Coach Gates values the experience and familiarity of the newcomers, with four of the five transfers averaging significant minutes at their previous schools.
- Gates has high hopes for sophomore guard T.O. Barrett, expecting a significant jump in his performance, similar to Robinson II's growth.
As for player inspirations, the answers varied. Sebastian Mack looks up to Chicago natives Charlie Moore and Marcus LoVett, while Shawn Phillips Jr. draws inspiration from Evan Mobley. Nicholas Randall has an impressive list of role models, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jayson Tatum, and LeBron James. Aaron Rowe, meanwhile, aims to emulate the playstyle of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Darius Garland.
With such high expectations and a talented roster, the Mizzou men's basketball team is set to capture the attention of the college basketball world. Will they live up to the hype and make a deep tournament run? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is this the year Mizzou breaks through and achieves their championship dreams?
