What does Peyton Marshall bring to Mizzou basketball this season?
One of the first actions Mizzou's head coach Dennis Gates took after his hiring was the recruitment of Peyton Marshall. Despite the 7-footer initially committing to Auburn, Gates and his staff continued their recruitment efforts, eventually leading to Marshall's decommitment from Auburn and his commitment to the Tigers.
Gates recognized Marshall's potential early on, and that became even more evident during his senior season with Overtime Elite in Georgia—a program designed for 16 to 20-year-olds to develop their skills and gain exposure for the NBA. Notable alumni of Overtime Elite include brothers Ausar and Amen Thompson, along with Rob Dillingham, a top 10 draft pick this past year.
In high school, Marshall was nothing short of dominant. His presence in the paint provided a significant offensive advantage, even against top defenders. Marshall can drive to the basket and either score himself or find open teammates. On defense, his 7-foot frame gives him an impressive shot-blocking and rebounding ability. These skills offer the Tigers plenty to be excited about and position Marshall well to earn minutes as a freshman.
Peyton Marshall, a 7'0" center from Marietta, Georgia, has committed to Mizzou. Marshall is a physical presence in the interior with an automatic finish when he establishes position. He's the third top 100 player in Mizzou's 2024 class.pic.twitter.com/ucqbMBGa25
— Order On The Court ⚖️ (@DataMizzou) August 11, 2023
Perhaps the most notable skill, considering his size, is Marshall's exceptional passing ability. Throughout his high school career, he consistently executed swift and efficient outlet passes. He’s also shown a knack for deliberately drawing multiple defenders, only to dish the ball out to a wide-open teammate, capitalizing on the double teams he attracts.
These traits could be exploited early in his career as Mizzou struggled with its pace of play and passing abilities last season.
As just a junior in high school, Marshall earned an honorable mention for Georgia's all-state team, before securing a full selection the following season. Many scouts anticipate his draft stock to rise during his college career, as his performance has consistently improved with each season.
During his time with Overtime Elite in the 2023-2024 season, Marshall averaged 8 points and over 5 rebounds per game, while also contributing nearly a steal and a block per game—demonstrating his significant defensive impact.
It’s important to consider the level of competition he faced, going up against teams filled with highly touted young players and top prospects destined for the NBA.
Marshall is set to potentially contribute in his freshman year, addressing crucial gaps in the Tigers’ lineup on both offense and defense. Last season, Mizzou struggled with size and strength, particularly in the interior, on both ends of the court. There’s no doubt that he can make a significant impact on a team that needs Marshall's skills this season.
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