Columbia News

Having contributed significantly to the University of Missouri men's basketball program's resurgence over the past three years, Kyle Smithpeters has been promoted to associate head coach. This announcement was made by Whitten Family Head Coach Dennis Gates.

"Kyle has played a pivotal role as we've restored Missouri basketball nationally and placed it among the top of the SEC," Gates stated. "During the last three seasons, his efforts in recruiting and development of student-athletes is one of the key reasons for our success at Mizzou. He has been tremendous at building relationships and locking down top targets before helping them reach their full potential on the court, in the classroom and in the community. He has exceeded all of my expectations and this promotion is well earned as we continue to chase championships."

Smithpeters joined Missouri as an assistant coach and helped achieve a turnaround that saw the team record its best SEC finish in school history, surpassing 20 wins twice and advancing to the NCAA Tournament.

"I've enjoyed every aspect of my first three seasons with Missouri basketball and I couldn't be more thrilled in my new role as associate head coach," Smithpeters expressed. "I'm truly excited about the future as there is so much more that we can accomplish. I'm honored to work with so many great basketball minds on a daily basis. To learn from Coach Gates – from x's and o's to game management – has been very fulfilling and I'm looking forward to continuing to build off that as we elevate the Mizzou program even further."

Before joining Missouri, Smithpeters led John A. Logan Community College for 10 years, making an immediate impact with Mizzou by achieving 25 victories in his first season (2022-23), advancing to SEC Tournament Semifinals for the first time, and securing an NCAA Tournament win after 13 years.

The team's momentum continued under Smithpeters' influence with a fifth-ranked recruiting class nationally in 2023, culminating in significant achievements during his third season (2024-25). The Tigers defeated three top-five ranked schools nationally for the first time since 1988-89 while placing sixth in a competitive SEC.

Smithpeters' tenure at Mizzou also saw five players sign with NBA franchises, including Kobe Brown selected by the Clippers in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.

His previous experience includes a successful decade at Logan where he compiled a 241-73 record, earning eight Great Rivers Athletic Conference Coach of Year awards while mentoring notable players like two NJCAA National Players of Year and ten All-Americans.

Smithpeters holds degrees from Southern Illinois University and has coached at Southeastern Illinois College and Missouri State University during his career.