NCAA Basketball: Grading the biggest 2022 CBB coaching hires two years later

Chris Jans, Mississippi State Bulldogs: B+

Wherever Chris Jans goes, winning follows. After a successful five-year stint at New Mexico State, Chris Jans immediately made his mark in Starkville. In just two years leading the Bulldogs, Mississippi State has won 20+ games each year, earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament in both years. The last time Mississippi State earned back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances? That would be 2007-2009 under Rick Stansbury. Although the Bulldogs have yet to find postseason success and have finished under .500 both years in SEC play, what makes Jans successful is the fact he has formed an identity in Starkville -- stubborn defense and immense physicality -- which goes a long way in building a program for long-term success.

Dennis Gates, Missouri Tigers: C

If we were to grade Dennis Gates only in his first year, he would get an A. If we were to grade Dennis Gates last season, he would get an F. Hence, the only logical way to grade Gates is to meet in the middle at a C. During Dennis Gates’ first season, the Missouri Tigers were among college basketball’s pleasant surprises. They won 25 games and won their first NCAA Tournament game since 2010. Flash forward to last season, the Tigers took a complete 180 turn for the worse, finishing 0-18 in SEC play with only eight wins totally. Thankfully, Dennis Gates has assembled a quality group that expects to compete in the SEC this season. Thankfully, the only way is up from here.