What to Know About Missouri Basketball, Drake’s First-Round NCAA Tournament Opponent

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament kicks off, one of the most exciting matchups of the first round features the Drake Bulldogs taking on the Missouri Tigers. Both teams are entering the tournament with plenty of momentum, and the stakes could not be higher. For Missouri, a team with a storied history in college basketball, the Tigers are looking to capitalize on their recent resurgence and make a deep tournament run. For Drake, this is an opportunity to show the nation that the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) is a force to be reckoned with, as they look to make a statement on the national stage.

In this article, we will dive into everything there is to know about Missouri basketball—its current season, key players, team strengths, and style of play. Understanding these aspects of the Tigers will give fans and analysts a better sense of what to expect as Drake prepares to face them in the opening round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

The Missouri Tigers: A Brief History of the Program

Before delving into the current season, it’s important to acknowledge the legacy of Missouri basketball, a program with a rich history in college basketball. With over 1,700 wins, the Tigers have long been a force in the NCAA, producing NBA players and earning numerous NCAA Tournament appearances. Missouri has traditionally competed in the powerful Southeastern Conference (SEC), and over the years, the Tigers have built a reputation for tough, physical basketball.

Despite some periods of struggle, the program has bounced back in recent seasons, and this season under head coach Dennis Gates, the Tigers have once again become a contender. With a strong mix of experience and youth, the Tigers are poised to make a splash in March Madness, aiming to reassert themselves as one of the premier programs in college basketball.

Missouri’s 2025 Regular Season: A Return to Prominence

In 2025, Missouri entered the season with optimism after a successful 2024 campaign that saw them return to the NCAA Tournament under Coach Gates. The Tigers were led by their defensive prowess and an offense capable of going on scoring runs at will. While the team had some challenges in SEC play, including tough losses to teams like Alabama and Kentucky, they consistently showed they could compete with the best teams in the nation.

Missouri’s ability to win close games and perform under pressure in tough environments was a highlight of their season, and this bodes well as they enter the NCAA Tournament. They finished the regular season with a solid record, securing a mid-range seed in the tournament, which gives them an opportunity to make a deep run, provided they continue to play to their strengths.

Key Players for Missouri: Who to Watch

While Missouri has a solid all-around team, a few players stand out as crucial to their success, especially in the high-pressure environment of March Madness. Here’s a look at some of the key contributors for the Tigers:

Kobe Brown – Forward

At 6’8″, Kobe Brown is Missouri’s star player and the team’s primary offensive and defensive force. Brown is a versatile forward who can do it all: score, rebound, defend, and facilitate for teammates. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, combined with his strength in the paint, makes him a matchup nightmare.

Brown’s versatility allows him to play both inside and outside, and he is often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player. His leadership and ability to take over games, particularly in crunch-time situations, will be crucial for Missouri as they try to navigate the intensity of the NCAA Tournament. Whether it’s knocking down threes, finishing around the rim, or locking down on defense, Brown is the player who can carry the Tigers through the tournament.

Des Moines Hodge – Guard

As a senior leader for Missouri, Des Moines Hodge has been an anchor in the backcourt. Hodge is an elite defender who has earned a reputation for his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His scoring ability also makes him a key piece for Missouri’s success. A dynamic scorer, Hodge has the ability to create his own shot and hit difficult baskets, making him an offensive threat at all levels.

Hodge is not only important on offense, but his defensive tenacity is a big part of Missouri’s identity. His ability to guard multiple positions and create turnovers will be key against teams that rely on ball movement and offensive flow, including Drake. Hodge’s experience and leadership will be vital for Missouri to control tempo and execute in tight situations.

Nick Honor – Point Guard

Another key player for Missouri is Nick Honor, the team’s point guard. Honor plays an essential role in running the offense and getting his teammates involved. He has excellent court vision and is capable of distributing the ball in tight spaces. A strong defender, Honor can also score when needed, and his ability to create plays for others will be vital in Missouri’s offensive sets.

In the high-stakes environment of the NCAA Tournament, Honor’s ability to control the pace of the game will be crucial. If he can maintain ball control and minimize turnovers while getting the ball into the hands of Brown and Hodge, Missouri will have a solid chance to advance deep into the tournament.

Trevin Sneed – Forward

Trevin Sneed has quietly been one of Missouri’s most valuable players this season. While not as flashy as some of the other players, Sneed’s consistency on both ends of the floor has been a stabilizing force for the Tigers. Sneed can guard multiple positions, hit timely shots, and contribute on the glass, making him an important piece in Missouri’s rotation.

Sneed’s ability to play within the team’s system while being a reliable option when needed gives Missouri another weapon that can be utilized against Drake’s defense.

Missouri’s Strengths: What Makes Them Dangerous

Missouri enters the tournament with several key advantages that could make them a formidable opponent for Drake and any team they face:

Defensive Intensity

Missouri is known for its swarming, aggressive defense. The Tigers are a team that thrives on forcing turnovers and creating fast-break opportunities. They play an up-tempo style that pressures their opponents from all areas of the floor, especially in the half-court setting. Their defense allows them to disrupt the rhythm of their opponents and dictate the pace of the game.

Missouri is particularly strong on the perimeter, where their guards and wings are adept at defending against both the three-point shot and mid-range jumpers. This defense-first mentality has allowed them to stay competitive against some of the toughest teams in the SEC and will be a key factor in their tournament run.

Versatility and Depth

One of the main reasons Missouri is a dangerous team in March is their ability to play multiple styles of basketball. Whether it’s an up-tempo game or a half-court, grind-it-out battle, Missouri has the personnel to excel. Their ability to adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of different teams makes them a tough matchup for any opponent.

Additionally, Missouri’s depth is a significant advantage. With multiple players capable of stepping up in big moments, the Tigers are not reliant on just one or two players. This depth will be crucial as the team faces multiple games in quick succession throughout the tournament.

Rebounding and Physicality

Missouri is a strong rebounding team, which is crucial in March Madness when every possession counts. The Tigers are aggressive on the boards, and players like Brown, Sneed, and Honor are all capable of contributing in this area. Rebounding will be a key factor against Drake, a team that also prides itself on physicality and positioning.

The ability to secure defensive rebounds, especially after missed shots, will allow Missouri to control the tempo of the game and limit second-chance opportunities for Drake.

What Missouri Must Do to Advance

To make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, Missouri must continue to focus on what has made them successful throughout the season. Here are some keys to success:

1. Control Tempo: Missouri must dictate the pace of the game and avoid letting Drake control the tempo. With their speed and athleticism, the Tigers are at their best when they can run the floor and score in transition.
2. Limit Turnovers: As with any team, avoiding costly turnovers is crucial for Missouri. They will need to ensure that they protect the ball and execute their offense efficiently, especially against a disciplined team like Drake.
3. Defend Without Foul Trouble: Missouri’s aggressive defense can sometimes lead to fouls, and staying out of foul trouble will be essential, especially with key players like Brown and Hodge. The Tigers need to stay disciplined defensively and avoid giving Drake easy trips to the free-throw line.
4. Balanced Scoring Attack: While Brown is the star, Missouri will need contributions from all over the roster. Players like Hodge, Honor, and Sneed will need to step up and help alleviate the pressure on Brown.

Missouri’s March Madness Road Ahead

As the Missouri Tigers prepare for their opening-round matchup against the Drake Bulldogs, they are well-positioned to make a deep run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. With a strong defensive identity, a versatile offense, and several key players capable of taking over games, Missouri has the tools to advance far in the tournament.

Their ability to control the tempo, limit mistakes, and execute in clutch moments will be key as they battle through the NCAA Tournament. If the Tigers play to their strengths and continue their solid play from the regular season, they will be a difficult team to stop, and could be poised for a deep March Madness run.