51ºÚÁÏ

That was just Dennis being Dennis again, drawing on an old relationship to build a new one with a rising young basketball star.

Gates began his coaching career as a skills development coach for the Los Angeles Clippers, working with pro prospects like Jason Crowe Sr.

While the elder Crowe didn’t stick with the Clippers, he built a lengthy playing career overseas. And while he was out on the grassroots circuit with his son, he remembered the positive impression Gates made all those years ago.

Despite getting a late start in the recruitment of the younger Crowe, Gates wooed him as the top Mizzou recruit since Michael Porter Jr. as part of the Porter family package for Cuonzo Martin.

Crowe lacks the rangy frame that NBA scouts covet, but he should flourish in Missouri’s fast-paced offense with his ability to score every which way.

Earlier, Gates got a commitment from Webster Groves guard Scottie Adkinson, a top 50 prospect in the Class of 2027. Adkinson loved the vibe he felt during his many unofficial visits to Mizzou, and Gates gained the confidence of Scottie’s parents.

These recruiting victories were a big deal for a program looking to build upon last season’s NCAA Tournament team and push the 8-24 fiasco of 2023-24 further out of mind.

This summer success reminded the industry that Gates remains an elite recruiter. Expect these commitments to spur more blue-chip additions, considering top players want to play with other top players.

Gates has elite people skills. He gains and maintains connections. Evidence of this knack is everywhere.

For instance, he checked out some NBA Summer League action to support former Missouri stars Kobe Brown as he continues his pro career and Tamar Bates and Caleb Grill as they get started.

But Gates looks after walk-ons too. Center Mabor Majak spent four years with Gates, two at Cleveland State and two at Missouri. He returned to Boone County to become a graduate assistant coach after finishing his career at Coastal Carolina.

Forward Danny Stephens never saw the floor while at Missouri during two injury-marred seasons before transferring to Western Illinois with Gates’ encouragement.

“The father side of him wants me to go and play, to get that experience,� Stephens told Muddy River Sports. “He doesn’t think I’m done with him yet. He would like to see me back after a year or two.�

Gates built a relationship with Missouri coaching legend Norm Stewart, and he is doing the same with many stars from the Stewart era.

Of course, staying connected to his top players each season is most critical. After last season’s rebound season, Gates prioritized keeping forward Mark Mitchell and guard Anthony Robinson II to lead the team this season.

Both could have bolted for big dollars elsewhere, but both stayed put and trusted that the program can launch them into pro careers.

Veteran forward Jacob Crews also returns after progressing last season in his off-the-bench role. Gates stuck with Crews through his ups and downs and saw him emerge as a more consistent performer.

Gates set up the 2025-26 roster to give returning forward Trent Pierce a chance to join Robinson in a Year 3 breakout. Pierce flashed elite shooting and passing skills last season, but he must become more assertive at both ends of the court.

This season, he will get that opportunity

Gates created bigger potential roles for sophomores T.O. Barrett and Annor Boateng after they played sparingly last season. Barrett played fearlessly in his limited minutes, so he will be lots of fun to watch.

Redshirt freshman center Trent Burns could become an interesting X-factor after sitting out last season. Missouri implemented more zone defenses last season, and the 7-foot-5 Burns’ massive wingspan should prove useful.

Missouri recruited around its incumbents after last season, not over them. Gates is counting on continuity within his program to pay off.

He filled roster needs in a portal class that included aggressive guard Sebastian Mack (USC), physical center Shawn Phillips Jr. (Arizona State) and versatile forward Jevon Porter (Loyola Marymount).

Former Detroit Mercy scorer Jayden Stone was a sneaky addition to the backcourt after sitting out last season at West Virginia with an injury, and former Oklahoma center Luke Norweather will add depth.

Gates recruited just two high school players in the Class of ’25, maintaining his regional ties by landing point guard Aaron Rowe from Columbia’s Tolton High School and power forward Nicholas Randall from 51ºÚÁÏ via Compass Prep in Arizona.

Any concerns about that light recruiting class have been set aside by Missouri’s early success with the 2026 and ’27 classes.

The Tigers have a bunch of official visits lined up for this fall, so Gates will keep trying to strengthen relationships while building rosters.