Early Ranking Signals High Hopes for Mizzou Basketball

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Early Ranking Signals High Hopes for Mizzou Basketball originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
With the NBA draft withdrawals finalized, and teams starting to come together, numerous sports sites put out their first Top 25 rankings headed into the 2025-26 season. While Missouri was left off most of these lists, The Athletic had Mizzou scribbled in at No. 24.
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The article highlighted the importance of the Tigers returning three starters from their previously Top 25 team. Those returners were Anthony Robinson II, Mark Mitchell and Trent Pierce — all of which had important roles on the team last season. While the team loses key scorers like Caleb Grill and Tamar Bates; Mitchell led Mizzou in scoring with 13.9 points per game with Robinson (9.0) and Pierce (6.7) also adding valuable scoring options.
'Outside shooting could be a concern with the graduation of Grill and Tamar Bates, but Mitchell-Mack-Robinson could end up being one of the better trios in the SEC,' the article said.
Tigers guard Mark Mitchell (25) dunks in the second half of a first round men's NCAA Tournament game© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Athletic also refers to many of the new additions being make-or-break players for the team's success.
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Specifically, the team mentions the front court editions of Jontay Porter — who the article has in the teams starting lineup — Shawn Phillips and Luke Northweather. Phillip, a transfer from Arizona State, provides rim protection while Porter and Northweather offer a big man who can slide out and shoot the three.
Trent Burns was also mentioned as a game-changer when it comes to helping the Tigers in the front court.
'The 7-foot-5 Burns, who redshirted as a freshman, can step out and hit a 3. To borrow an old Fran Fraschilla line, he could be a year away from being a year away, but he's a fascinating prospect,' The Athletic said.
Sebastian Mack is expected to start in the shooting guard position for the Tigers next season after spending two seasons with UCLA. While Mack averaged 9.6 points per game with the Bruins during his sophomore campaign, The Athletic believes he has another level to his play that he hasn't yet reached.
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'it feels like he has the potential to be more productive in a high-tempo system like Mizzou's. He should fit nicely in the Tony Perkins role,' the article said.
Missouri may not be on every Top 25 list, but with key returners and high-upside newcomers, the Tigers have the tools to make noise in 2025–26.
Related: Mizzou Men's Basketball Makes Historic Announcement
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.