Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), formerly known as the University of Missouri-Rolla, has a rich basketball history dating back to the early 20th century. The Miners, as they are affectionately known, compete in the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).
A Legacy of Success
Missouri S&T has captured 17 GLVC regular season championships, 14 GLVC Tournament titles, and made 22 NCAA Tournament appearances. The Miners have also reached the NCAA Division II Elite Eight twice, in 1994 and 2010.
Players like Jerome Garrison, who holds the school records for career scoring and assists, have played a pivotal role in the program’s success. Garrison was selected to the GLVC Hall of Fame in 2005.
Current Standings and Future Prospects
In the 2022-23 season, the Miners finished with a 22-7 record, including a 16-4 mark in conference play. They secured the GLVC regular season championship and earned the No. 1 seed in the GLVC Tournament. Missouri S&T advanced to the GLVC Tournament semifinals before falling to eventual champion Bellarmine University.
The Miners return a strong core of players for the 2023-24 season, including leading scorer and rebounder Mason Rosser. With experienced leadership and talented young players, Missouri S&T is poised to make another run at the GLVC title and an NCAA Tournament berth.
A Look at the Team
Head Coach: Bill Thomas
Assistant Coaches: Chris Cline, Jeff Sherman, Austin Fowler
Key Players:
- Mason Rosser (Sr., Guard/Forward)
- Tevin Foster (Sr., Guard/Forward)
- Tyler Prim (Sr., Guard)
- Ethan Thompson (Jr., Guard)
- Josh Dowd (Jr., Forward)
Pain Points and Motivations
Pain Points:
- Inconsistent three-point shooting
- Depth in the frontcourt
- Maintaining a high level of play throughout the season
Motivations:
- Competing for a GLVC championship
- Advancing deep into the NCAA Tournament
- Developing players both on and off the court
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Relying too heavily on individual players
- Failing to execute the game plan
- Lack of discipline and focus
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong leadership and experience
- Talented young players
- Proven winning tradition
Cons:
- Depth issues in the post
- Inconsistent three-point shooting
- Pressure of high expectations
A Creative New Word: “S&Ttitude”
To capture the spirit of the Missouri S&T basketball program, we propose a new word: “S&Ttitude.” This word encompasses the following qualities:
- Strength: Mental and physical toughness
- Tenacity: Relentless pursuit of success
- Togetherness: Unity and camaraderie
- Intensity: Passion and determination
“S&Ttitude” is not just a word; it is a mindset that drives the Miners to compete at the highest level. It is a reflection of the program’s rich history, dedicated fans, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Tables
Table 1: Missouri S&T Basketball Championships
| Championship | Number of Titles |
|---|---|
| GLVC Regular Season | 17 |
| GLVC Tournament | 14 |
| NCAA Division II Tournament Appearances | 22 |
| NCAA Division II Elite Eight Appearances | 2 |
Table 2: Key Player Statistics (2022-23)
| Player | PPG | RPG | APG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mason Rosser | 17.5 | 7.8 | 2.6 |
| Tevin Foster | 14.2 | 6.3 | 3.1 |
| Tyler Prim | 12.9 | 4.5 | 2.2 |
| Ethan Thompson | 10.3 | 3.7 | 2.9 |
| Josh Dowd | 8.9 | 5.6 | 1.4 |
Table 3: Pain Points and Motivations
| Pain Point | Motivation |
|---|---|
| Inconsistent three-point shooting | Competing for a GLVC championship |
| Depth in the frontcourt | Advancing deep into the NCAA Tournament |
| Maintaining a high level of play throughout the season | Developing players both on and off the court |
Table 4: Pros and Cons
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Strong leadership and experience | Depth issues in the post |
| Talented young players | Inconsistent three-point shooting |
| Proven winning tradition | Pressure of high expectations |
