As long as head coach Dennis Gates has been a part of the program, the recruiting effort has been nothing short of amazing. The team has brought in impressive player after impressive player, whether it be through commitments or transfers.
Recruitment has been something Gates has been talented at since coming over to the sidelines of Mizzou from Cleveland State, after the 2022-23 campaign.
The Tigers went on to go winless in the SEC Conference that next season, but Gates was still able to bring back his top-3 players that had eligibility remaining, in Nick Honor, Sean East. and Noah Carter. That alone was much easier said then done, showing Gates's strong ability to recruit.
He did the same the next year, keeping Tamar Bates, Caleb Grill, and Trent Pierce - all three were significant pieces to the incredible season that Mizzou had the next year.
After last season, which ended in disappointment, Gates was able to retain All-SEC forward Mark Mitchell, who came over from Duke the season before. The team also brought back guys like Anthony Robinson II, and Jacob Crews.
So far this offseason, Gates has gotten to work, emphasizing he ended last season feeling slightly unsatisfied, and proving that by working hard in recruitment, and he has been rewarded with some key pieces already.
It started in July, when the squad was able to bring in 5-star guard Jason Crowe Jr., a shocking signing. Crowe actually credited Gates for "...being there for me as a player and a person.". He went on to say he felt like the call he had with Gates was just different, which was no doubt a partial reason in hes early comittment.
Crowe, who turned 17 just a week before he announced his pledge to the Tigers, choose to play in Columbia over a number of squads, including SEC Conference foes Alabama, Kentucky, and Arkansas.
He's a great guard and overall a great get for a program who needs him. But Gates wasn't quite done there.
Earlier this week, it was abruptly reported that another 5-star, this time power forward Toni Bryant, would be choosing to play for the black and gold as well.
Breaking: #Mizzou lands 5-star 2026 Forward Toni Bryant 🌟
— PowerMizzou (@PowerMizzoucom) September 8, 2025
Read at the link below for the full story ⬇️https://t.co/h2WmAGjrUQ pic.twitter.com/DVPhI2rStB
The Tigers were one of the first big-name programs to offer Bryant a scholarship, which they did way back in May of 2024.
His comittment means Mizzou becomes the only program in all of the NCAA Divison I basketball with multiple 5-star talents for the class of 2026. That can only mean good for this program, as the location could become a hot commodity for other top recruits who want to sign with a team set to win.
The Florida native Bryant also gave much of the credit of his comittment to Coach Gates, who was very convincing as a recruiter, but also a friendly face that shows that he cares for his players, which is something his current players rave about, even his veterans, years after they were recruited.
Only six of the top-50 players for the Class of 2026 have chosen a school, and two of them are coming to Columbia. That alone should tell any fan what they need to know about how serious Gates is about recruiting, and building a succesful team for the future.
He had another prospect in town this past weekend, as guard Trey Edwards from the Class of 2028 was in town for a visit.
Gates will be keeping this up for time to come, and this team is absolutely set up for the future.