Saturday, we got a chance, a chance to see what stood out from a trio of Missouri basketball's signees in their top-ranked class of 2026 at the Norm Stewart Classic. How well their individual strengths translated — and how clearly each echoed the same message about Dennis Gates’ program.
Crowe Jr. clearly didn't let any nerves about playing in front of his future collegiate head coach affect his game, as the five-star guard tallied 41 points against Principia in Inglewood's 85-69 loss. Gates sat courtside and saw plenty of Crowe Jr on offense, all 34 shots, in fact.
"With the team I have this year, a lot more is on my plate," Crowe Jr. said. "I feel like coming to Missouri, I’m gonna have some returners, the focus is not gonna be fully on me.”
A pair of Mizzou recruits battled it out Saturday night
Aidan Chronister showed his shooting prowess in the New School's 52-48 victory over Zephyrhills. 25 points, a multitude of triples, and three assists to boot. Chronister, a four-star wing ranked No. 71 nationally, hit three triples in a row in the fourth quarter in his matchup against the top-25 prospect, Toni Bryant. Both will be donning the black and gold next season.
"[Toni is] a great player, and I can’t wait to be teammates with him,” Chronister said “It’s super special. I mean, just the fans that came out, it’s such a family environment. I can’t wait to do that next year and the years forward.”
The five-star Bryant picked up a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double, not afraid to challenge anyone at the summit. Not necessarily someone who wouldn't fit the big-man build Dennis Gates is looking for, especially with Bryant's ability to hone in on the rebounds.
[The team is] athletic, they get up the floor fast," Bryant said of Mizzou." Lobs, get the ball up, just move it. It’s team basketball, great culture."
All three thus return to their seasons of high school basketball. All in due time, will be playing on the same team, not opposing ones.