By KDA Sports
Mar 23, 2025
Even though the Missouri Tigers’ season concluded with a 57-67 loss to the No. 11 Drake Bulldogs in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, there’s promising news for the future of Mizzou Basketball. Despite the disappointment in Wichita, the Tigers have shown signs of significant potential and growth over the course of the season, setting the stage for a major rebound next year.
Throughout the season, the team secured key victories against formidable opponents, demonstrating their resilience and capability to compete at a high level. Emerging young talents and strategic improvements have laid a strong foundation for the future. The coaching staff is encouraged by the progress seen in both the offense and defense, and they believe that the lessons learned during this season will fuel a robust comeback.
However, the season’s final chapter was marred by offensive struggles, as the Tigers managed only a 33% overall shooting percentage and a dismal 25% from beyond the arc in the crucial game against Drake. Senior guard Caleb Grill, who had been the offensive engine for the team, experienced a significant dip in his performance. Known for his prolific three-point shooting earlier in the season—hitting over 55% in November—Grill’s accuracy dropped steadily over the months, falling to a mere 26% in March. In the tournament game, he connected on just one three-pointer out of seven attempts, a performance that reflected the team’s overall inconsistency.
While the loss brought the season to an abrupt and frustrating end, the Tigers’ early season 17-4 record and subsequent successes against top-tier teams have not gone unnoticed. The coaching staff is optimistic that the experiences and challenges of this year will drive the program to new heights in the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Looking ahead, Missouri Basketball is focused on fine-tuning its strategies, particularly improving shooting efficiency and maintaining consistent offensive pressure. The foundation is set for a strong turnaround, and fans can look forward to a promising future as the Tigers work to build on the lessons learned and capitalize on their undeniable potential.
