Missouri Basketball: Analyzing incoming transfers for 2023-24 season
By Justin Wiles
![SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: D'Moi Hodge #5 of the Missouri Tigers celebrates a three point basket against the Utah State Aggies during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 16, 2023 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 16: D'Moi Hodge #5 of the Missouri Tigers celebrates a three point basket against the Utah State Aggies during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 16, 2023 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7c3e582c5d5aafccd93a5f31926b713125a3ca99232d4f311b9cc824346d6cf0.jpg)
New Missouri Basketball player – Tamar Bates (Indiana)
The next player to join Missouri this offseason was Tamar Bates, a 6’5 guard from Indiana. Before signing with Missouri, Bates spent the past 2 seasons as a Hoosier. What Missouri is getting from Bates is a little harder to nail down than what Tonje brings to the table. Most of the offense at Indiana ran through Trayce Jackson-Davis, not allowing for the offense to flow for other players. He saw his minutes dip a little once Indiana got to conference play, but in the minutes he did get Bates showed why Missouri was smart to take a chance on him.
Last season, Bates averaged just over 6 ppg shooting 39.2 percent from the field and just over 37 percent from three. He has good range and the ability to make threes from anywhere along the arc. A majority of his shots were catch-and-shoot, which should continue at Missouri. He doesn’t take a lot of shots at the rim, but if he improves his shot that should open up some driving lanes. If Bates continues to improve he should see his stats increase, much like he did at Indiana.
Tamar Bates should have plenty of time to get acclimated to the fast past style of play that Coach Gates and the Tigers like to play. A more fluid offense should help Bates improve his scoring. Even though we might not know exactly what Bates will be on this team, what we do know is that he will be a huge help with guard depth and will be another needed floor spacer.