Missouri has one of the most intriguing freshmen in college basketball, a demanding schedule and considerable expectations entering the 2026-27 season. However, the biggest reason to believe Dennis Gates can lead the Tigers to another NCAA Tournament appearance might be the player who was already in Columbia last year. Mark Mitchell returns after producing a season that deserves considerably more attention than it received nationally.
Mitchell averaged 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists during the 2025-26 campaign, leading Missouri in all three categories. He became just the second player in program history to accomplish that feat, joining Albert White, who did it during the 1998-99 season. For a program attempting to build sustained success in the SEC, having that kind of proven versatility is an enormous advantage.
Mitchell belongs in a different statistical conversation
The most interesting statistic from Mitchell's previous season isn't necessarily his scoring average. He was one of only eight players nationally to record at least 600 points, 170 rebounds and 110 assists during the 2025-26 campaign. That combination demonstrates the ability to influence games in multiple ways rather than depending on one offensive skill.
Mitchell can score, rebound and create opportunities for teammates, making him especially valuable when opponents concentrate their defensive attention on one area. He also provides continuity for a Missouri roster undergoing considerable changes. As the Tigers' lone returning starter, Mitchell will have an important role in helping new players adjust to Gates' system.
His presence becomes even more significant when considering Missouri's schedule. The Tigers are scheduled to face 11 opponents ranked in the preseason Associated Press poll, tied for the most nationally with Arizona. That kind of competition will challenge the team's depth, consistency and ability to execute when games become difficult.
Jason Crowe Jr. could change Missouri's offensive ceiling
Much of the preseason excitement has centered on Crowe, the freshman point guard who arrived with extraordinary high school credentials. He averaged 43.3 points, 5.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 3.5 steals during his senior season, breaking California's all-time high school scoring record. He was also named to the preseason Bob Cousy Award watch list, becoming one of only three freshmen among the 20 players selected.
Crowe immediately demonstrated his scoring potential during Missouri's exhibition victory over Kansas State. He finished with 21 points and three steals as the Tigers recovered from a first-half deficit to win 71-67. Missouri opened the second half with a 13-0 run and never surrendered the lead afterward, offering an encouraging glimpse of how quickly the team can change a game's momentum.
The challenge for Gates involves developing a productive partnership between Crowe and Mitchell. Both players are capable of influencing the offense, but their greatest value could come from making each other's responsibilities easier. If Crowe develops into a dependable creator while Mitchell continues producing across several categories, Missouri could become difficult to defend.
The Tigers have something important to prove
Missouri finished 20-13 last season and earned its third NCAA Tournament invitation in four years under Gates. The Tigers also reached double-digit SEC victories for the second consecutive season, accomplishing something the program hadn't previously done since joining the conference in 2012. Those results suggest Missouri has moved beyond simply attempting to return to national relevance.
However, NCAA Tournament appearances and conference competitiveness are only part of the ambition. Missouri must demonstrate it can consistently challenge the best teams on its schedule and convert promising regular seasons into meaningful postseason success. The combination of Mitchell's experience and Crowe's potential gives the Tigers an interesting foundation for taking another step.
The freshman will generate headlines, and deservedly so. But Mitchell's rare statistical production might ultimately be the more important ingredient in Missouri's success. The Tigers don't need to discover whether their returning star can produce at a high level because he already has.
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