As Missouri men’s basketball prepares for its early-season road test against Minnesota, head coach Dennis Gates emphasized rhythm, chemistry, and defensive growth as the Tigers continue building their identity through non-conference play.
“Early season, it’s all about getting some type of rhythm with your new guys, rhythm with the culture, rhythm with what’s going on, and meshing everyone together,” Gates said Thursday. “That’s the phase that we’re in—and obviously the phase that Minnesota is in.”
The Tigers (3–0) are coming off a strong offensive showing that featured 60 points in the paint in their win over VMI.
Gates praised his team’s ability to stay disciplined offensively and not “fall in love with the three,” noting that this year’s group is built to attack the rim and use its length inside.
“When you look at our roster, you have to look at the strength of it,” Gates said. “We’re not changing the offense, but changing our shot selection and emphasizing our shot profile. Mark Mitchell is a heck of a player—he’s versatile, he’s powerful—and we want to make sure he gets the touches he needs.”
Gates highlighted guards Mitchell, Jacob Crews and point guard Anthony Robinson II for stepping into bigger roles and embracing their existing roles while the Tigers dealt with injuries to Trent Pierce, Annor Boateng and Trent Burns.
Gates also mentioned center Shawn Phillips Jr. will be ready to go Wednesday against Minnesota.
“We’ve got to make sure we continue with a next-man-up mentality,” Gates said. “We do have an SEC starter out right now in Trent Pierce, so there are different cards being dealt, and we have to handle them.”
On the defensive end, Gates emphasized the team’s improved rebounding and activity, pointing out the impact of the Tigers’ length and communication.
“I think our field goal percentage defense has not faltered,” Gates said. “We’ve missed Shawn’s ability to shot block, but our guys have shown up in depth. Luke Northweather was our highest-graded defender two games ago, and T.O. Barrett was last game. It shows that our guys care—they’re getting better by the game, by the minute, by the second.”
One of Mizzou’s top players and reigning All-SEC player Sophomore guard Anthony Robinson II, who has been praised by Gates as one of Missouri’s defensive cornerstones, echoed his coach’s message about consistency and energy.
“Defense is just what I do,” Robinson said. “It’s how I create energy for me and my team. They have a great offensive scheme, so I just try to be who I am and disrupt their offense.”
When asked about Minnesota’s offensive system under new head coach Niko Medved, Gates praised the Gophers’ unselfishness and execution.
“His teams have finished in the top 10 in assist rate for three straight seasons,” Gates said. “They do a great job moving the basketball and moving bodies. They’re very unselfish, and that’s part of his offensive philosophy. This will be a great test for our defense.”