Chemistry and teamwork, focus as transfers on the ice

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Missouri basketball is entering a new era with a roster full of experienced transfers ready to make an impact in the SEC.

With players from programs like Iowa, Duke and UT-Martin joining the Tigers, the team is focused on building chemistry and moving toward a winning season.

For Iowa transfer guard Tony Perkins, the key to success lies in team unity and spirit.

Speaking at SEC Media Days on Tuesday, Perkins emphasized the importance of lifting each other up on the court.

“You know, we try to credit each other for everything we do, every little ball screen, every little boxout,” Perkins said. “So, you know, we just try to credit each other so we can make our teammates feel like everything they do matters. Like somebody gets a big boxout, you know, it’s not always about of a good rebound, a great boxout, yes, someone else got the rebound, or a great assist, or a great pass to assist, just something to encourage everyone, to keep wanting to do the right thing, to make the right plays, so everyone feels like everything they contribute is important.”

Perkins brings a wealth of experience to Missouri, having played in 126 games at Iowa, where he was a reliable scorer and playmaker.

Last season, he averaged 14 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game, becoming the Hawkeyes’ second leading scorer.

Now, Perkins is expected to fill the void left by Sean East II and Nick Honor, providing the Tigers with an experienced ball handler and leader.

Duke transfer Mark Mitchell is another big addition to Missouri’s roster.

After a solid two seasons with the Blue Devils, Mitchell is eager to contribute to a new-look Tigers team where each player brings something unique to the table.

“Yeah, I think we all do something a little different,” Mitchell said. “So I think, you know, just feeding off each other, feeding off our strengths, our weaknesses. And I think, I don’t think there’s any weakness that we have on this team. I think we fill in the holes. So I think that’s what coach (Dennis) Gates has done really well. We’re getting to know each other, we’re still figuring out what to do.”

Mitchell, a versatile 6-foot-8 forward, brings SEC-ready skills from his time at Duke, where he was a consistent starter.

Their combination of size, defense and leadership is exactly what Missouri hopes will help them compete in a tough conference.

Jacob Crews, a UT-Martin standout, was the first to join Missouri’s transfer wave.

The 6-foot-8 wing averaged 19.1 points per game and shot more than 41 percent from three last season.

Regarded for his scoring prowess, Crews consistently delivered for the Skyhawks, scoring 20 or more points 16 times and surpassing 30 points on four separate occasions.

His outside shooting and rebounding will be crucial to Missouri’s offensive plans this season.

Another big addition is Marques Warrick, who spent four years at Northern Kentucky.

Warrick averaged just under 20 points per game last season and adds even more firepower to Missouri’s offense.

With Crews and Warrick comfortable making shots, Missouri’s scoring should see a significant boost compared to last season’s struggles.

Missouri also brought in Josh Gray from South Carolina and Jeremy Sanchez from Saint Leo, though Sanchez remains an unknown factor in the rotation.

However, Gray is expected to bring a physical presence in the paint, giving the Tigers added depth and size.

As the team continues to build, these transfers, along with returning players, are working to ensure Missouri’s upcoming season is a step forward.

With experienced newcomers like Perkins, Mitchell, Crews and Warrick, Missouri will be more competitive in the SEC, with the hope that the combination of talent and chemistry will spark a much-needed rebuild.