University of Missouri

Mizzou Tigers add proven scorer Jordan Crawford to reloaded backcourt for 2026-27

Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

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  • Missouri added South Dakota transfer Jordan Crawford to its 2026-27 roster.
  • Crawford averaged 14.4 points and shot 36.8% from three while starting all 32 games.
  • Crawford joins a busy transfer class that bolsters Missouri’s veteran guard depth.

The Missouri Tigers men’s basketball added another experienced piece to its backcourt Tuesday, landing South Dakota transfer Jordan Crawford out of the transfer portal.

Crawford announced his commitment after visiting Columbia earlier this week, giving coach Dennis Gates another veteran guard as Missouri continues to reshape its roster for the 2026-27 season.

The 6-foot-3 guard is coming off the best season of his college career with South Dakota, averaging 14.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game while starting all 32 games. He also shot 36.8% from 3-point range and earned All-Summit League second-team honors.

Missouri fans already got a close look at Crawford last season when South Dakota traveled to Mizzou Arena in November. Despite the Coyotes falling 102-68, Crawford stood out offensively, leading South Dakota with 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting against the Tigers.

That performance likely helped put him on Missouri’s radar long before he officially entered the portal.

Crawford brings experience from three different programs after beginning his career at College of Charleston and later spending a season at Eastern Kentucky before transferring to South Dakota. Across his career, he has developed into a reliable perimeter shooter and active defender.

His steals average last season ranked among the better marks in the Summit League and showcased the defensive activity Missouri values in its guard rotation.

While Crawford may not arrive as a projected star, he gives Missouri an experienced option capable of contributing immediately off the bench. His shooting ability should help space the floor, and his defensive instincts provide another versatile guard for Gates to use in different matchups.

The Tigers needed additional depth in the backcourt after several offseason roster changes, and Crawford fills an important role as a veteran presence behind Missouri’s expected top guards. His experience at multiple levels of college basketball could also prove valuable for a roster that continues to add younger talent through both recruiting and the portal.

Crawford becomes the latest addition in a busy offseason for Missouri, joining transfers Jamier Jones (Providence), Bryson Tiller (Kansas), Jaylen Carey (Tennessee) and Kennard Davis Jr. (BYU) in the Tigers’ transfer class.

They join five-star recruits and McDonald’s All Americans Jason Crowe Jr. and Toni Bryant and fellow incoming freshman Aiden Chronister, a four-star prospect, as new Tigers.

With Crawford now in the fold, Missouri’s backcourt continues to take shape heading into next season as the program looks to build on last year’s NCAA Tournament appearance and compete again in the Southeastern Conference.

Copyright 2026 Columbia Missourian

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