The Mizzou Minute: Behind the Scenes at SEC Media Day

Tigers basketball head coach Dennis Gates would have brought his whole team if possible to SEC Tipoff ’24.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — If you've ever wondered what SEC Media Days is like, it's pretty much nothing like what most fans would expect. 

This year, the SEC Tipoff ’24 returned to the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Birmingham, where is setup is considered more conducive for men's and women's basketball, and, quite frankly, is nothing like the football version in the summer. 

One thing that reporters experience at both venues is a television production in the back of the main room, which in the tighter setting means more of the sound overlaps. 

Peter Burns of the SEC Network served as host the two-day media showcase, joined by analysts Daymeon Fishback and Pat Bradley on Wednesday and Steffi Sorensen on Thursday. Reporter Ashley ShahAhmadi has also been on-hand doing player interviews as well. 

Grand Bohemian Hotel does have a wood floor, though, courtesy of the SEC. The ballroom was just big enough, albeit with chandeliers.

The schedule was as follows: 

Dennis Gates 

• 2:25-2:40 Finebaum Show 
• 2:40-3:00 Main Media 
• 3:05-3:15 SIRIUS XM 
• 3:15-3:25 SEC Content 
• 3:25-3:35 NCAA 
• 3:40-3:50 ESPN 1 
• 3:55-4:05 ESPN 2 
• 4:10-4:20 CBS 

Noah Carter and Nick Honor 

• 2:25-2:40 Finebaum Show 
• 2:45-2:55 ESPN 2 
• 2:55-3:05 ESPN 1 
• 3:10-3:20 CBS 
• 3:25-3:45 SEC Content 
• 3:45-3:55 NCAA 
• 3:55-4:05 SIRIUS XM 
• 4:10-4:25 Main Media

Missouri actually brought four players, bringing along center Connor Vanover and guard Sean East II in addition to veterans Noah Carter and Nick Honor. 

"This day is not about me," head coach Dennis Gates said. "It's not about the coaches. It's about the student-athletes. I wish I could bring my entire team, I really do, because this experience that you guys being here to do your job, you got to be absent from your home.

"Ultimately this is what it's about, them having an experience they will always remember. They may not remember every single game, but they'll remember being at SEC Media Day. That's what it's about, building memories with these young people, but also giving them confidence, giving them courage, and letting them know how important they are to me."

Everything Missouri's Dennis Gates Said at SEC Media Day