Dennis Gates named to Naismith Midseason Coach of the Year watch list

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KCTV) - After one of the worst seasons in Missouri basketball history, Dennis Gates and the Tigers have bounced back to become one of the nation’s top teams.

With Mizzou’s record at 20-6 and 9-4 in SEC play, Gates has been named one of 15 coaches on the Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year midseason watch list.

Leading the Charge 🚀

Introducing the Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s College Coach of the Year Watch List, presented by @AxiaTimeLLC 🏆@Werner_Safety | #WernerLadderNaismith2025 | #AXIATimeNaismith2025 pic.twitter.com/ZiTA0SJnIc
— Naismith Awards (@NaismithTrophy) February 21, 2025

Gates’ midseason recognition comes following a 110-98 victory over No. 4 Alabama on Wednesday night in Columbia and with five games remaining in the Tigers’ regular season schedule.

As it currently stands, the 15th-ranked Tigers are expected to be one of the top seeds in the NCAA Tournament. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi had the Tigers as a 5 seed in his latest bracketology.

Gates’ turnaround for the Tigers follows a 2023-24 season that saw Mizzou go winless in SEC play. Mizzou has three wins against AP top 5 ranked teams this season, their most since the 1988-89 season.

The 45-year-old head coach, who is in his third season with Mizzou, is one of three SEC head coaches included in the watch list.