Missouri Tigers coach Dennis Gates is using non-conference mismatches at home to flex his team’s uncommon depth.
That will likely continue Sunday when the Tigers (4-1) host the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions (1-5) at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo.
Gates has used 16 players this season, counting brief appearances by two walk-ons. Missouri deployed 12 players in their 91-56 victory over Pacific Friday and 11 of them scored.
“In my career, you know, this is normal for me,” Gates said. “I’ve been able to do it as an assistant coach at Florida State, where we had 12, 13 deep, you know, in certain years. And then as a head coach at Cleveland State, and obviously, the last two years here. This is the deepest team I’ve had here, but not the deepest team I’ve had as a coach.
“It gives you added insurance that your team will always continue to fight and get better.”
Guard Tony Perkins, a transfer from Iowa, hasn’t played in the last two games while resting a leg injury. Forward Aidan Shaw sat out after averaging 16 minutes in the first four games.
Both could play against the Golden Lions. “We have three games in six days,” Gates said. “Aidan Shaw will play next game, but it gives you the glimpse of how deep our team is.”
Guards Caleb Grill (15.8 points per game), Tamar Bates (13.0) and Anthony Robinson II (10.2) are driving Missouri’s offense. Forward Mark Mitchell is averaging 10.8 points and 4.8 rebounds.
The Golden Lions lost the top three scorers from their team that fell 101-79 at Missouri last season. Kylen Milton, who scored 34 points in that game, transferred to Murray State and Joe French and Rashad Williams are playing professionally.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff coach Solomon Bozeman is trying to build chemistry with 11 new players.
“I just think that’s just the new normal with college basketball and the transfer portal,” Bozeman said. “It’s definitely hard. But at the end of the day, you have to get the job done.”
North Texas transfer Christian Moore is averaging 14.2 points, 3.8 assists and 2.3 steals per game for the Golden Lions. North Idaho Community College transfer Dante Sawyer averages 12.3 points and Monmouth transfer Klemen Vuga averages 10.8 points and 5.5 rebounds.
The Golden Lions have allowed 97 points per game in their five road losses. They lost 98-64 at Texas Tech on Monday.
