Dennis Gates evaluates Missouri’s 2026-27 roster, incoming 5-star freshmen
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Year 5 of the Dennis Gates era tips off in about 4 months, and it’s set to be a crucial season for the Mizzou Tigers head coach.
Missouri reached the NCAA Tournament in 3 of Gates’ first 4 seasons with the program, but the Tigers have just one tournament win to show for it. In response, Gates and the Tigers signed one of the best freshman classes in program history, landing a pair of 5-star talents in Toni Bryant and Jason Crowe Jr., as well as 4-star, 6-foot-7 sharpshooter Aidan Cronister.
There’s a lot more to like about the lineup, too. Gates further delved into his 2026-27 roster while speaking with CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein on Thursday. In addition to the high-potential 5-stars, Gates also talked about returning wing Trent Pierce, 7-foot-4 center Trent Burns and incoming transfers such as Bryson Tiller (Kansas), Jamier Jones (Providence) and Jaylen Carey (Tennessee.)
Hear his full comments below:
Like Gates says, there are a few additions he didn’t mention. BYU transfer Kennard Davis could very well start for the Tigers at the 2, and All-Summit League guard Jordan Crawford provides some experience and shooting behind Crowe Jr.
Missouri will have its work cut out for itself in the SEC this year. The transfer portal and international recruiting have transformed the conference once again from year-to-year, with several teams fielding completely different rosters. Only Florida, perhaps the best roster in the country, kept most of its core intact.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
