Mizzou's Dennis Gates Selected to NCAA Coach of the Year Watch List

Mizzou hoops has never looked better or had a stronger fanbase than it has throughout this season, especially in recent weeks.

Every week brings new broken records, shocking highlights, and impressive wins, helping the Tigers climb higher in the AP Top 25. They've remained on the list for over a month, marking their longest stretch in several years.

The breakout and career seasons of players like Tamar Bates, Caleb Grill, and Mark Mitchell, along with the team's depth and youth, are key reasons why Mizzou is where it is today. The Tigers are hoping to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament next month.

However, the true credit—though he would never accept it—goes to head coach Dennis Gates. In his third year with the Tigers, after spending the previous three seasons at Cleveland State where he dominated the Horizon Conference, Gates has elevated the team to new heights.

His recruitment efforts, smart rotations, and strong game plans and adjustments are why this team is viewed as a serious power threat—one that top programs hope to avoid in the ensuing tournaments.

Despite the strength of the SEC this season, Gates has still dominated, taking down three top-5 ranked teams in the NCAA and adding several more big wins to his resume.

That’s why it’s even more special to see his recognition by the NCAA this season. While he’s already received praise for his contributions, this potential honor would be the ultimate achievement.

The NCAA recently released a watch list for potential candidates for the Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year award, and right at the top of that list is Coach Gates. It doesn’t get much bigger than that.

Alongside Gates are two other SEC head coaches: Todd Golden (Florida) and Bruce Pearl (Auburn).. The other 12 candidates are all prominent names with successful programs, highlighting just how prestigious the award is and the company Gates is in.

The Tigers are one of just two teams with three top-5 wins this season, and they’ll look to build on that success, finishing the last five games strong as they aim to improve their seed for the SEC Tournament and, eventually, March Madness.

Coach Gates has completely turned this program around from last season, when the Tigers went 0-18 in conference play and were not considered contenders heading into the year.

Gates and his deep roster will continue to block out the noise from the media and potential awards, focusing on building on their strong record as the season progresses. Their next challenge comes with a rematch at Arkansas on Saturday night.