WICHITA, Kan. — The last two Missouri men’s basketball seasons have started the same.
In comes the modern college sports roster mix: a few transfers, some freshmen, a handful of returners. The coaching staff turns to a sports psychologist to help them bond, get to know each other and find a way to come up with on-court chemistry during the one season that they, pragmatically, have together.
And they talk about going to the Final Four.
Mizzou coach Dennis Gates has not been shy about mentioning it, about encouraging his players to visualize that — a hardwood heaven in Phoenix last season or San Antonio this year.