Dennis Gates has never shied away from supporting his players, and he won't be stopping anytime soon. Now, he's going as far to say that he wants two of his players' numbers retired, including one on the current roster.
On an appearance with Tiger Talk, Gates said he would fight to get both the numbers of Kobe Brown and Mark Mitchell retired.
"Between Kobe Brown and Mark Mitchell, I will be fighting tooth and nail for as long as I'm the head coach here to get their numbers retired or recognized," said Gates.
Are either Kobe Brown or Mark Mitchell deserving of a jersey retirement?
Brown, a 2023 NBA Draft pick and current member of the Indiana Pacers, was a multi-year starter for the Tigers. He averaged 15.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists his senior season, and led the Tigers to a 25-10 record and an NCAA Tournament win. He was the most recent Mizzou player to get selected in the first round.
Mitchell, a transfer from Duke, is Mizzou's leading scorer, rebounder and passer this season. He's undoubtedly the Tigers best player, but hasn't led Missouri to any postseason success yet. Assuming they make the field this year, it will be one more chance to try and get an elusive tournament victory.
Ultimately, while both players have been great contributors to Tiger basketball, it's hard to see a justification for a number retirement for either. Mizzou has retired eight numbers all-time, but haven't done so for a player in 35 years. The last player to have his jersey retired was Derrick Chievous, who played from 1984-1988.
The Dennis Gates era has seen some nice highs, and 0-18 in SEC play lows. So while Brown or Mitchell, might not see their numbers retired, barring an epic NCAA Title run, maybe next year's crop of players has a better chance. Missouri boasts a top-five recruiting class, and Jason Crowe Jr. may be the best player to ever commit to Mizzou.