The 2024–25 season was an exceptional one for Mizzou fans to watch and for the program to help make memorable.
They exceeded all expectations, and although it didn’t end with the result everyone had hoped for, it left an incredible and lasting impact.
The roster includes several players who moved on to their next endeavors after the season, with some holding legitimate NBA aspirations. Tamar Bates and Caleb Grill are two graduates who have caught the attention of NBA scouts.
Both received invitations to the NBA G League Elite Camp, which showcases draft hopefuls as they look to make an impression on scouts with the NBA Draft just a month away.
The NBA Draft Combine began on Sunday, May 11, and will run for a full week in Chicago, where the NBA Draft Lottery is set to take place on May 12.
Bates has been active and wasted no time making an impact, leading all scorers with 19 points in Game 1, along with a few assists and rebounds. He followed that up with another strong showing in Game 2, posting 9 points and recording a steal on the defensive end.
Grill actually faced off against Bates in the first game, where Bates watched his former teammate knock down a game-high three three-pointers, showcasing his best skill early and often.
A fast start for Caleb Grill, who drains the 3 off the ball movement to get to 10 points in under 5 minutes for Team 2. @MizzouHoops #GLeagueEliteCamp pic.twitter.com/OLmfhf0mgp
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) May 11, 2025
Grill has performed well overall, primarily taking shots from beyond the arc — converting at a solid rate — while also contributing on the boards and limiting turnovers.
Bates’ impressive performance has earned him an invitation to the official NBA Draft Combine.
Tamar Bates earns a spot at the #NBADraftCombine #MIZ 🐯 https://t.co/sqMK4ljeki
— Mizzou Hoops (@MizzouHoops) May 12, 2025
The combine features full-court, 5-on-5 scrimmages, along with various tests measuring agility, speed, strength, and physical attributes.
It’s a great look for the Tigers’ program to see two of their top players from last season making an early impact as they pursue the next stage of their basketball careers.
They, along with the rest of their alma mater in Columbia, will be crossing their fingers and hoping to hear their names called when the NBA Draft begins on June 25.