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LEAD STORY: Tigers Talk Culture, Depth and a Freshman Who Can 'Score 50'
Missouri men's basketball held court with reporters Monday after practice, and the throughline from the podium was clear: this roster believes its blend of veterans and newcomers is built for a deep run. Head coach Dennis Gates didn't shy away from the stakes, saying his goal is to become "the first coach to win a national championship at Missouri, and the first coach to take this team to the Final Four."
Much of the attention centered on freshman point guard Jason Crowe Jr., who arrives with one-and-done buzz and expectations Gates playfully acknowledged — "there's expectations for him to come out and score 50 points a game." Gates revealed he barred Crowe from using ball screens all summer to sharpen his ability to handle being denied, and associate head coach Kyle Smithpeters praised a work ethic that has Crowe in the gym at 5 a.m. Crowe himself kept it simple: "They're going to see a lot of buckets. They're going to see a lot of wins." The freshman also brushed off questions about his future beyond this season, saying he's focused on getting to game one.
The leadership structure drew just as much discussion. Fourth-year forward Trent Pierce was credited by Gates as the culture-carrier of the locker room, while newly named captain Cord Stansberry vowed to make Missouri "the most connected team in the conference, in the country." Gates also addressed the ongoing eligibility cases of Mark Mitchell and CJ Gunn, saying he attended Mitchell's hearing in Louisville and believes both players "deserve" the opportunity they're fighting for. Add in redshirt guard Aaron Rowe — described by Gates as pound-for-pound the strongest player on the team — and shot-blocking anchor Trent Burns, and the Tigers believe their depth and defense can withstand a demanding non-conference slate. As Crowe put it, the schedule means Missouri will be "war tested when it comes to SEC play."
QUICK HITS
Mizzou football regroups at 5-2. The Tigers enter their bye week at 5-2 (2-2 SEC) after a 31-3 road loss to Ole Miss, dropping nine spots to No. 22 in the AP Top 25. The resume still includes a Border War win at Kansas, a Homecoming victory over a ranked Florida team and a long-awaited breakthrough against Texas A&M, but road losses to Mississippi State and Ole Miss have dimmed College Football Playoff hopes.
Muoneke keeps stacking hardware. Georgia senior outside hitter Bianna Muoneke was named SEC Co-Offensive Player of the Week on Monday — her third conference weekly award this season.
Gators golf eyes a fall-ending sweep. No. 10 Florida leads its fall finale by 17 shots, with Jack Turner holding the individual lead, Josh Bai one stroke back in a tie for second and Luke Poulter three back in a tie for fifth.
LSU in the hunt at The Fin. Latanna Stone-era standard-bearer no more — it's Tejedo carrying the flag, shooting even par in the first round as LSU sits second on the leaderboard.
Alabama hoops sets its TV slate. The Crimson Tide men's basketball program finalized its broadcast schedule for the 2026-27 season, giving fans times and networks ahead of tipoff.
Freshman of the Week honors in volleyball. Outside hitter Anderson of the No. 14 squad earned her second SEC Freshman of the Week award after posting double-doubles against Auburn and Florida.
PORTAL WATCH
Quiet day on the transfer front — no new portal entries or commitments involving SEC programs were reported in this window. With basketball season openers approaching and football teams in midseason form, expect movement to stay minimal until the calendar turns.
RECRUITING BUZZ
No new commitments to report Monday evening. The recruiting trail should heat back up as football programs exit bye weeks and basketball staffs shift focus from media days to signing-period preparation.
GAMES TO WATCH
No SEC games are on the schedule tonight. Missouri basketball players referenced a Friday tune-up as their next time on the floor, and women's college basketball storylines are already circulating ahead of the 2026-27 season, per NCAA.com. For neutral-site viewing, Middle Tennessee and FIU meet on CBS Sports Network as part of a six-game Week 8 slate — a scouting opportunity for fans tracking future SEC opponents and crossover talent.
