Dan Dakich is widely recognized for his extensive media career, particularly his ten-year stint at ESPN from 2010 to 2021, and his current role at Outkick. However, before his media endeavors, Dakich had deep connections with the Indiana basketball program, playing as a guard from 1981 to 1985 before serving as an assistant and interim head coach for 11 years. Given his long association with Indiana, Dakich has strong opinions on the program’s direction, including his belief that former Indiana guard Tamar Bates was not a good fit for the Hoosiers.
Bates played for Missouri for the last two seasons after transferring from Indiana following the 2022-23 season, where he has made a significant impact on the Tigers’ current success. Throughout Bates’ college career, Dakich has consistently doubted his potential, even taking to social media last year to criticize Indiana media members who expressed enthusiasm for Bates playing at Missouri, asserting that any team he plays for has “no chance to win with him.”
#iubb media clamoring for Tamar Bates at Missouri… told you about Bates from the moment he entered the IU weight room with his family … no chance to win with him!!
His @MizzouHoops team HAS NOT WON A GAME IN THE SEC..
– for 20 yrs I’ve told you about @IndianaMBB and I’ve never…— Dan Dakich (@dandakich) February 6, 2024
Despite Missouri’s strong season and Bates’ contributions, Dakich maintained his critical stance leading up to Indiana’s game against No. 4 ranked Alabama last Thursday. He reiterated his position prior to the matchup.
I 1000% stand by this at #iubb https://t.co/5J9YtJtACK
— Dan Dakich (@dandakich) February 19, 2025
In their game against Alabama, Bates proved Dakich wrong, scoring 13 points and recording four steals in a remarkable 110-98 upset. Post-game, reporters sought the insights of Missouri head coach Dennis Gates regarding Dakich’s statements. Gates expressed his support for Bates, highlighting a transformative journey since his arrival at Missouri.
“Let me answer this first. I don’t approve of any directly attacking a great leader, a great young man, a dude who has never gotten in trouble, a guy that has done everything I have asked,” Gates remarked. “I don’t know who he is talking about. He may be confusing somebody for somebody else. But sometimes that happens. What I’m proud of is you haven’t seen Tamar Bates respond on social media one time. He keeps his focus because he has grown from his experience at Indiana. He doesn’t say ‘I wish I never went to Indiana;’ he thanks Indiana, cherishing the friendships made and the connections forged from his time there.”
Gates further elaborated on Bates’ growth, stating, “From the Indiana experience, we are able to see this version of Tamar Bates. I am proud of who he is as a man and his leadership qualities. I just want to ensure our guys are recognized for what they are doing well, rather than dwelling on negative comments.”
Bates’ teammates Mark Mitchell and Caleb Grill echoed Gates’ sentiments, indicating that Bates is a respected leader within the Missouri locker room. Yet, Dakich remained steadfast against the tide of support for Bates, labeling himself the “preeminent voice of college basketball,” and dismissing dissenting opinions.
“I understand, I am the preeminent voice of college basketball,” Dakich claimed. “When I say something, it ends up in the New York Times or coaches talk about it postgame. I said what I said about Tamar Bates when he arrived at Indiana, and I stand by it. If you’re upset with me, that’s fine. Go be mad.”
“STAND IN THE CORNER AND BE MAD”@dandakich isn’t hiding from his take on Missouri basketball player, Tamar Bates
WATCH ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/cv0VA9I3ro
— OutKick (@Outkick) February 21, 2025
While it’s possible Bates displayed some of the traits Dakich criticized during his time at Indiana, it is evident that he has matured into a formidable player at Missouri. Dakich’s relentless critiques appear to stem from an unwillingness to acknowledge any misjudgment on his part, but no one at Missouri seems overly concerned with his opinions.
