The Tigers have built their offense around Jason Crowe Jr., a guard whose playmaking has become the engine of the team’s scoring. In the latest evaluation, coaches are probing whether a second ball‑handler can emerge to share the creative burden when Crowe rests or finds himself in foul trouble.
The Burden on Crowe
Crowe’s usage numbers are staggering: he logs roughly 72 percent of the team’s minutes and is involved in about 24 percent of all possessions. That volume makes him the primary offensive creator, but it also leaves a noticeable gap whenever he steps off the floor.
The coaching staff has made it clear that the next step is to identify a guard who can manipulate defenses, generate advantages and keep the offense fluid during those intervals. The search is not just about adding depth; it is about finding a genuine second creator who can replicate Crowe’s impact.
Prospects on the Radar
Kennard Davis Jr., a BYU transfer who shone at Southern Illinois, brings a reputation as a high‑percent pick‑and‑roll scorer, ranking in the 87th percentile nationally. However, his footwork often falters against tight coverage, and he has turned the ball over more than the staff would like, suggesting that raw talent alone may not translate into reliable separation.
Aaron Rowe, a former five‑star recruit, possesses elite burst and has posted a 0.583 points‑per‑pick‑and‑roll rate in the EYBL. Yet his 27.5 percent turnover rate and a modest Bayesian Performance Rating of 0.16 indicate that he remains a lightly used reserve who would need a substantial increase in minutes to prove himself.
Jordan Crawford offers a different skill set, excelling at shooting off the catch in pick‑and‑roll situations. His decision‑making, however, breaks down when defenses rotate, leading to rushed shots and costly turnovers that undermine his offensive contributions.
Cord Stansberry, after moving from Western Carolina, has struggled to create legitimate separation against stronger competition. His decision‑making under pressure has shown cracks, raising questions about his readiness to handle the rigors of a high‑level backcourt.
Beyond the on‑court candidates, the roster rules provide a procedural avenue: a season‑ending injury before the roster deadline can place a player on a medical redshirt list, freeing a scholarship slot while the athlete rehabilitates. The staff has floated the idea of using such a slot for Annor Boateng, but the primary focus remains on acquiring a guard who can match Crowe’s offensive firepower.
The challenge is clear. Missouri must balance the immediate need for a reliable secondary creator with the long‑term development of its roster. Whether the answer comes from an incoming transfer, a player stepping into a larger role, or a strategic use of medical redshirting, the outcome will shape the team’s offensive flexibility and overall competitiveness in the upcoming season.