Head coach Dennis Gates has continued to enhance his reputation as a top recruiter, once again showcasing his skills with a busy offseason in the transfer portal for the Missouri Tigers.
Despite a rocky start to the offseason, including the departure of key players and coaches, Gates and his staff have responded strongly by bringing in high-level talent to rebuild the roster.
That effort paid off again on Sunday when the Tigers secured a commitment from senior guard Jayden Stone.
A native of Washington, Stone has proven to be a dependable scorer throughout his collegiate career, which has spanned multiple programs.
He began at Grand Canyon University but saw limited action and diminishing minutes over two seasons, never managing to break into the starting lineup due to inconsistent production.
After the 2021–22 season, he transferred to Detroit Mercy in the Horizon League, where he found his rhythm, logging significant playing time and improving across the board, especially in scoring and defense.
Over two seasons with the Titans, Stone became a key contributor, starting nearly every game and consistently playing close to 40 minutes a night. His shooting was effective, with field goal percentages hovering above 40% and an impressive 52% from three-point range during his junior year.
His defensive skills also took a leap, averaging nearly two steals per game, although his turnovers rose as well. As a senior, he posted standout numbers with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, cementing his place as one of the Horizon League’s best players.
After a tough 14-19 season, Stone moved to West Virginia but was sidelined for the year with an upper-body injury, earning a medical redshirt and preserving his eligibility.
Now healthy and looking for a fresh start, Stone brings his experience and scoring ability to a revamped Mizzou backcourt that’s aiming to deliver consistency and firepower in the upcoming season.
