Dennis Gates named to 2023 Werner Ladder Naismith Men’s Coach of the Year Watch List

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

In his first season at Mizzou, head men's basketball coach Dennis Gates has been named to the 2023 Werner Ladder Naismith Men's Coach of the Year Late Season Watch List on Friday.

Gates is one of 15 coaches in the country named to the Late Season Watch List, including one of just two from the SEC and one of four in their first year with their program.

Through his first 26 games so far this season, Gates has led the Tigers to a 19-7 record.

With at least six games remaining, the Tigers' 19 victories are already the program's most since claiming 20 wins during the 2017-18 campaign. Gates has led Mizzou to five victories over nationally-ranked opponents. He also became the second Tigers coach to earn a national ranking in his first season on campus.

Prior to joining the Tigers, Gates spent three years as head coach at Cleveland State where he was honored as Horizon League Coach of the Year in both 2020 and 2021.

A list of 10 semifinalists will be announced on March 9 before being narrowed to four finalists on March 20. The final round includes an opportunity for consumers to participate through the Naismith Awards Fan Vote presented by Jersey Mike's, which accounts for 5% of the total vote and runs from March 21-28. The winner will be announced on April 2, at the Naismith Awards Brunch presented by Frost Bank at the Final Four in Houston.