Dennis Gates hired as Missouri head coach
After three seasons at Cleveland State, Dennis Gates has been hired to be the new head coach at Missouri. Gates went 50-40 overall and 39-19 in the last two seasons, winning back-to-back Horizon League titles.
“After a comprehensive and efficient national search, during which we had the privilege of speaking with an impressive group of coaches, it became clear Coach Gates was what we needed in the next leader of our basketball program,” AD Desireè Reed-Francois said. “He’s smart, driven and focused on winning. He’s a proven recruiter, a strong evaluator of talent, an innovative teacher of the game and has a unique enthusiasm and passion for his work and for his student athletes that draws people in. He shares our vision of where Mizzou basketball can and will go.”
Gates has been a hot name on the last two coaching carousels after hit quick and impressive turn around of the Cleveland State program. The Chicago-native was an assistant for 16 years before becoming a head coach, including an eight-year run on Leonard Hamilton‘s staff at Florida State.
“I have been so fortunate throughout my career to work at some outstanding institutions with incredible people, and after doing my research and speaking with Desiree and President Choi, it is clear that Missouri is a tremendous opportunity with unlimited potential,” said Gates. “We will build a program that all Mizzou fans will be proud of, for how we play, how our student-athletes represent the University of Missouri and how our togetherness and work ethic will lead to on-court victories. I want to thank President Choi, the Board of Curators and Desiree for an outstanding opportunity.”
credit to Missouri Athletics for the image
