Missouri men’s basketball has already been hit hard by the NCAA transfer portal, with departures and returns from pivotal pieces that could change the landscape for the Tigers next season. Two of this season’s most valuable players, junior guard Anthony Robinson II and junior forward Trent Pierce, have already made their decisions for the 2026-27 season.
Anthony Robinson II departs
Anthony Robinson II will not return to Missouri for his senior season, per Joe Tipton, opting instead to enter the transfer portal after two years with the program.
The junior guard started all of Missouri’s non-conference games and opened the season as the Tigers’ primary point guard. He averaged 8.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3 assists per game across 33 appearances.
Robinson showed early promise as a scorer and facilitator, highlighted by a 20-point performance against VMI and a stretch of double-digit outings through November and early December.
Robinson played a key role in Missouri’s backcourt over the past two seasons, first emerging as an energetic contributor during his sophomore season before he stepped into a larger role this year. His defensive presence and ability to disrupt opposing guards helped him carve out consistent minutes, even as his role shifted.
That role change became more apparent once Southeastern Conference play began.
After a strong start to the season, Robinson’s production dipped during conference play, and he eventually moved out of the starting lineup. Still, he adjusted late in the year, returning to a bench role where he found more efficiency during the team’s final stretch of games.
With Robinson’s departure, Missouri’s guard rotation will continue to take shape. Sophomore T.O. Barrett, who assumed starting duties late in the season, is positioned as a central piece moving forward. He’ll be joined by five-star incoming freshman Jason Crowe Jr., giving the Tigers a mix of experience and potential in the backcourt.
Trent Pierce Returns
While Robinson moves on, Trent Pierce is staying in Columbia.
The junior forward confirmed he will return for his senior season, giving Missouri a much-needed piece of continuity heading into an offseason defined by roster turnover.
Pierce appeared in 20 games after missing the entire non-conference slate due to injury, averaging 10.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting 47.8% from the field and 38.4% from 3-point range. His ability to stretch the floor at 6-foot-10 added a different dimension to Missouri’s offense, particularly during SEC play.
Despite the delayed start, Pierce quickly worked his way into a starting role. He delivered several standout performances down the stretch, including a 23-point outing at Texas A&M and a 22-point effort against Arkansas, showing his ability to produce against conference competition.
Pierce brought versatility to the frontcourt — spacing the floor offensively while holding his own defensively. His presence helped stabilize a lineup that was still adjusting deep into the season.
His return gives Missouri one of its few experienced anchors heading into next year. Alongside Barrett, Pierce is among the only returning players with starting experience, placing added weight on his role as both a contributor and a leader.
As the Tigers begin to reshape their roster through recruiting and the transfer portal, Pierce’s decision provides a foundation — a reliable piece to build around as Missouri looks ahead to the 2026–27 season.
Follow along with The Maneater to keep up with all of Missouri basketball’s offseason moves.
