Freshman Jason Crowe Jr. is regarded among the nation’s best players as the 2026-27 men’s basketball season gets under way this week, earning a spot on the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Men’s College Player of the Year Watch List, announced on Monday.

One of just five freshmen in the country selected to the watch list, Crowe is among 50 players overall to earn the preseason recognition. Last week, Crowe was also named to the Bob Cousy Award Watch List, which honors the country’s top point guard.

One of the most highly anticipated recruits to join the Tigers in program history, Crowe set California’s all-time scoring record with 4,718 career points during his standout high school career, shattering the previous record by 1,059 points. As a senior at Inglewood High School, he averaged 43.3 points, 5.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game.

Crowe's remarkable senior campaign earned him a spot in the 2026 McDonald's All-American Game – one of two Tigers named to the prestigious game as Crowe and Toni Bryant became the sixth and seventh players in school history to join Mizzou directly from high school. Crowe earned co-MVP honors at the all-star game, helping lead Team West to victory with 16 points, five assists and two rebounds. He also received first-team Naismith All-America honors and was named California Mr. Basketball and California Gatorade Player of the Year.

Adding to his list of accolades, Crowe also set a Hoophall Classic scoring record with 48 points, surpassing the previous mark of 40 held by Jayson Tatum and Jalil Bethea.

Crowe and the Tigers officially open the 2026-27 season on Tuesday, November 3, welcoming Cleveland State to Mizzou Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on SEC Network+.

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