It didn't take much convincing for Tre Gomillion to come to Columbia.

Gomillion saw all he needed over the course of his three seasons at Cleveland State.

Gomillion started 90 games for coach Dennis Gates the past three years with the Vikings. He was a key fixture in a lineup that needed an all-around player who fit what Gates wanted to do defensively.

That's what Gomillion now plans to bring to Gates' roster at Missouri next season, as Gates continues to restructure the Tigers' roster for his first campaign in Columbia.

Gomillion, a graduate transfer guard, committed to Missouri on Monday.

Gomillion bills himself as more than just a player contributing on the court.

"I am a great extension of the coaching staff," Gomillion told the Tribune via a Twitter message. "I am a leader."

Why Gomillion chose Mizzou

Gates first recruited Gomillion back in 2019 when Gomillion was at Gordon State College in Georgia.

In fact, Gomillion was the first recruit to arrive after Cleveland State hired Gates in 2019.

That relationship grew into a bond over the course of three seasons where Gomillion eventually became the defensive backbone of the Vikings' 2021 run to a Horizon League championship and the NCAA Tournament.

When Gates came calling with a scholarship to play for the Tigers, Gomillion was on board with the coach he had already poured his heart out for.

"He didn’t have to sell me," Gomillion said. "I saw him work and pour into the program every day first-hand."

When considering Missouri, Gomillion said he took into account a few facets.

One was the leadership beyond Gates. Gomillion mentioned MU athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois and UM System President Mun Choi.

The rest was what existed on the court in the past and hope for the present and future.

"You look at the tradition of the basketball program," Gomillion said. "You look at the conference and level of play. Those are all reasons why Mizzou is home."

Gomillion plans to bring his own brand to Columbia as well. His clothing brand, G0,000,000, is described on its Instagram page as a “self-made lifestyle in which you create wealth for you, and those who come after you."

That brand is something he hopes he can build in Columbia.

"It is about the fans supporting my brand," Gomillion said. "But what it does for future recruits to know they will have the support in any idea or vision they may have with NIL."

What Mizzou gets in Gomillion

Gomillion prides himself on his ability to do whatever he's asked. He'll project into being a key role player for Gates as the first-year coach tries to implement his system and schemes across newcomers and returnees.

Gomillion describes himself as a positionless player who can adjust to any lineup. He wasn't Cleveland State's leading scorer, but he was one of its best all-around players.

On the court, Gomillion prides himself on his versatility, his defensive skills and his ability to play different play styles of basketball. Off the court, Gomillion said he has the ability to be a connector, allowing him to thrive in the locker room.

These are skills he's curated during his college career so far.

"I’ve gotten better over the years," Gomillion said. "I’m a winner. I was a captain."

This adds up to Gomillion's ability to contribute on offense and defense. While averaging over 10 points per game last season, he was also the Horizon League's defensive player of the year in 2021.

His defensive ability is written in his accolades, but on offense, Gomillion said he can rebound, bring energy and find his way into consistent scoring areas.

"I play the game with a different type of passion," Gomillion said. "I give everything I have and my best at all times."

He provides the ability to defend multiple positions, including the perimeter. Last season, Missouri allowed opponents to shoot 35% from 3-point range.

During Cleveland State's 2021 NCAA Tournament run, Gomillion was part of a defense that allowed an opposing 3-point shooting percentage of 32.6%.

Whether a starter or reserve, Gomillion figures to become part of the Tigers' rotation.

"I am very excited," Gomillion said. "I can’t wait to move to Columbia and attend Mizzou and meet the current and future teammates of mine."

Chris Kwiecinski is the sports editor for the Columbia Daily Tribune, overseeing University of Missouri and Boone County sports coverage. Follow him on Twitter @OchoK_ and contact him at CKwiecinsk@gannett.com or 573-815-1857.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Why Tre Gomillion followed Dennis Gates to Mizzou