COLUMBIA, Mo. — April 18, 2025
Missouri’s men’s basketball roster took an unexpected twist on Sunday morning as the Tigers gained and lost a big man within the span of just a few hours.
While the team celebrated the addition of Shawn Phillips Jr., a transfer from Arizona State expected to bring immediate frontcourt presence, the news was quickly overshadowed by the departure of Peyton Marshall, a former four-star recruit who officially entered the NCAA transfer portal that same afternoon.
The 7-foot, 300-pound freshman center confirmed his decision via social media, signaling a new chapter in his basketball journey after just one season in Columbia.
With three years of eligibility remaining, Marshall becomes one of the more intriguing names in the portal—an underutilized talent with significant upside and untapped potential.
The Rise and Pause of a Promising Prospect
Marshall committed to Mizzou with considerable fanfare, viewed as one of Dennis Gates’ headline signings from the Class of 2023.
A standout performer for Overtime Elite, the Atlanta native turned heads with his imposing size, polished footwork, and natural instincts around the rim. His blend of physicality and soft hands projected him as a future anchor in the Tigers’ paint—possibly even a multi-year starter.
But the promise never materialized in a meaningful way.
Marshall struggled to crack the rotation consistently during the 2024–25 campaign, logging just 4.3 minutes per game across 22 appearances. Most of his court time came in low-leverage moments, and his most notable contribution came during a non-conference game against Cal on December 3, where he scored six points in limited minutes to help Missouri edge out a 98-93 victory.
Despite the limited role, many around the program and fan base saw glimpses of what Marshall could become.
His ability to control space in the post and absorb contact, paired with a surprising touch for a player his size, suggested that with development and minutes, he could grow into a force. Unfortunately for Missouri, that growth will now take place elsewhere.
Portal Activity Picks Up Steam in Columbia
Marshall becomes the third Missouri player to enter the transfer portal this spring, joining sophomore forward Aidan Shaw, who has since committed to Boston College, and freshman guard Marcus Allen, who remains uncommitted.
The timing of Marshall’s decision is particularly notable. Just hours before his portal entry, Mizzou announced the commitment of Shawn Phillips Jr., a 7-foot transfer from Arizona State who averaged 4.5 points and 4.2 rebounds in limited action.
Phillips, a former four-star prospect in his own right, brings similar physical tools to Marshall and appears poised to claim minutes in the Tigers’ evolving frontcourt.
While it’s unclear if the addition of Phillips influenced Marshall’s departure directly, the overlap in skill set and position certainly creates the impression of a changing depth chart—and perhaps a dwindling opportunity for Marshall to carve out a consistent role.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Missouri and Marshall
For head coach Dennis Gates, Marshall’s departure represents both a loss of long-term potential and a reminder of the ever-changing nature of modern roster building in college basketball. The NCAA transfer portal has accelerated the pace of roster turnover, making retention just as critical as recruitment.
Missouri, coming off a challenging 2024–25 season, continues to reshape its identity through the portal. The addition of Phillips brings experience and physicality to the paint, but the loss of Marshall leaves fans wondering what might have been had the coaching staff committed more minutes to the freshman big man’s development.
For Marshall, the move offers a fresh opportunity to find a program where he can grow into a larger role. Given his size, pedigree, and flashes of skill, he’s likely to attract significant interest from mid-major and high-major programs looking for a developmental big with high upside. With three full years of eligibility, he remains one of the more intriguing long-term projects now available in the portal.
Final Thoughts
Missouri’s offseason continues to be a whirlwind, filled with strategic additions and tough departures. The frontcourt, once thought to be a long-term strength, is now in flux again as Gates and his staff continue to search for the right combination of experience, talent, and fit. For Peyton Marshall, a new chapter begins—one that could ultimately allow him to blossom into the player many believed he could become.
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