2004 was one of the most frustrating years on record for fans of the Missouri Tigers. In the spring, the basketball team capped one of its most disappointing seasons in history, starting the year ranked fifth in the country and finishing it in the first round of the NIT. NCAA sanctions were kicking in, as well. And in the fall, Gary Pinkel's most underachieving Mizzou team began the season ranked 18th and finished it 5-6.
The biggest victory of 2004, in fact, didn't come on a field; it came in a living room in Southlake, Texas. On July 9, 2004, Southlake Carroll quarterback Chase Daniel committed to Mizzou.