Entertainment Host Gives Mizzou Hoops Star New Nickname

Nischelle Turner calls Missouri guard T.O. Barrett 'Sideshow Bob' ahead of NCAA Tournament matchup with Miami

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:04pm

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Entertainment Tonight co-host Nischelle Turner, a University of Missouri alumna, has given Missouri basketball guard T.O. Barrett a new nickname - 'Sideshow Bob' - a reference to the character from 'The Simpsons' known for his distinctive hairstyle. Turner said she is trying to attend Missouri's first-round NCAA Tournament game against Miami on Friday night in St. Louis, and predicted the Tigers will make a deep run in the tournament despite her 'homer' tendencies.

Why it matters

Turner's new nickname for Barrett and her enthusiasm for the Tigers' tournament run highlights the strong connection between Missouri's basketball program and its famous alumni. As a prominent media personality, Turner's support could help generate excitement and attention around the team's NCAA Tournament appearance.

The details

During an appearance on 'The Dan Patrick Show,' Turner said she started referring to Barrett as 'Sideshow Bob' because of his afro-style haircut, which resembles the character from 'The Simpsons.' Turner, who earned her journalism degree from Missouri in 1998, said she is trying to attend the Tigers' first-round matchup against Miami on Friday night in St. Louis. Despite acknowledging her 'homer' tendencies when it comes to predicting Missouri's tournament success, Turner expressed confidence that the Tigers can make a deep run this year.

  • Missouri and Miami are scheduled to play their first-round NCAA Tournament game on Friday, March 21, 2026 at 10:10 p.m. ET/9:10 p.m. CT in St. Louis.
  • Turner attended the Oscars in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Nischelle Turner

Co-host of the entertainment news program 'Entertainment Tonight' and a University of Missouri alumna.

T.O. Barrett

Guard for the Missouri Tigers basketball team, who Turner has nicknamed 'Sideshow Bob' due to his distinctive hairstyle.

Dan Patrick

Host of 'The Dan Patrick Show,' where Turner appeared and discussed the Missouri Tigers' NCAA Tournament prospects.

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What they’re saying

“I call him Sideshow Bob cause he's got that afro like Sideshow Bob from 'The Simpsons'”

— Nischelle Turner, Co-host, Entertainment Tonight

“My bracket is busted every year from the beginning because I'm a homer — homer to the hilt, Dan. I usually take them to the Final Four. I don't know why, but I just do. ... They can be dangerous if they just act like they got some sense.”

— Nischelle Turner, Co-host, Entertainment Tonight

“Missouri”

— Dan Patrick, Host, The Dan Patrick Show

What’s next

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The takeaway

Turner's enthusiastic support for her alma mater's basketball team and her creative new nickname for star player T.O. Barrett demonstrate the enduring connection between prominent alumni and their university's athletic programs. Her media platform could help drive interest and excitement around Missouri's NCAA Tournament run.