It was a really impressive year and completely unexpected. Gates exceeded everyone's expectations this year, even with getting a late start since he was hired later in the cycle.

This year, he'll have some juice that he's earned because of his coaching that he can hopefully translate into convincing better recruits.

I think the extension is a bit premature, but the rationale makes sense. Even though he's only had the one good year, I don't want to think of the disappointment the fanbase would feel if another school poached him.

If we can maintain the quality of play from this year into next year, then I think Gates will have started to establish a foundation that will sustain some excellence that Mizzou hasn't had since Mike Anderson.