Welcome to the Morning Commute
Today, we say goodbye to a special figure in Mark Mitchell—and he’s sharing a heartfelt farewell of his own.
Dear Mizzou,
Thank you for trusting in me when others didn’t. During a time filled with uncertainty, you gave me the space to grow, rebuild, and rediscover my confidence.
Putting on the black and gold meant more than just representing a team—it symbolized my journey and the people who supported me when I needed it most. Every game, every moment, every memory here will stay with me forever.
Mizzou didn’t just offer me a chance—it helped me find myself again. For that, I’ll always be thankful.
M-I-Z 🖤💛
Mitchell’s two seasons in Columbia were nothing short of outstanding. The former Kansas City standout lived up to every expectation and more. Personally, he ranks among my favorite Mizzou players in recent memory—maybe since Phil Pressey.
There’s something special about a player who can dominate at will, taking over games in ways opponents simply can’t stop… well, except maybe Miami in that first half (let’s not revisit that).
It’ll feel strange not seeing him suit up in black and gold next season, given how integral he became to the program. Still, he leaves Mizzou better than he found it—and that’s the ultimate legacy.
Best wishes, Mark. Keep in touch—and good luck continuing to overpower defenders wherever you go.
Around Rock M & Rock M+
One final breakdown of the 2025–26 Mizzou Hoops season:
Friday night may have been disappointing, but the team’s inconsistencies ran deeper than just one game. This has been a flawed group for months.
Despite that, Dennis Gates and his staff worked some late-season magic to secure 10 SEC wins and sneak back into NCAA Tournament contention. Considering how things looked back in December during tough losses to Kansas and Illinois, even making the tournament felt like a small miracle.
And maybe even more than that.
Meanwhile, #TigerStyle wrapped up its season on a high note, finishing 14th at the NCAA Championships. It was an impressive feat considering the roster turnover from transfers and graduations.
Head coach Brian Smith leaned on younger, less experienced wrestlers to step up—and many delivered. With key contributors returning next year, the future looks promising.
On the softball side, Mizzou couldn’t quite pull off a series upset, falling to 15–18 overall and 1–5 in SEC play. Notably, four of those losses came by just a single run, highlighting how close this team has been.
“They’re right there,” Anderson said. “With a young team, lapses in focus can happen—it’s my job to keep them locked in.”
The challenge only grows tougher from here, with upcoming road trips to Illinois and Auburn.
Over on Rock M+, the spotlight remains on the NCAA Tournament. Florida suffered a surprising exit, the coaching carousel is heating up, and Mizzou could be in line to land another elite recruit for next season.
