5-Star 2026 SG Jason Crowe Jr. Chooses Missouri: What This Commitment Means for the Tigers

Once upon a time, Kentucky had a strong interest in Jason Crowe Jr., a top basketball prospect. But now, he’s headed to a different SEC school—Missouri. Crowe made this announcement on his 17th birthday, choosing the Tigers over big universities like USC, Texas, and Alabama.

Crowe, a 6-foot-3 guard from Inglewood, California, is ranked as the No. 7 player in the 2026 class and considered the third-best shooting guard, according to Rivals. Earlier, he seemed likely to choose Kentucky, especially due to his connection with assistant coach Jason Hart. Crowe’s dad has been friends with Hart for years, and UK showed interest right after Mark Pope took over as head coach in April 2024. However, communication between them faded recently.

“I haven’t really talked to Coach Pope recently. He’s been busy with the team, obviously,” Crowe shared. He added that while he appreciates the Kentucky coaching staff, he was still exploring other options.

Ultimately, Missouri caught his attention. Crowe will return to Rupp Arena in the 2025-26 season, bringing his skills to face off against Hart and the Wildcats.

Currently, Crowe shines at the Peach Jam, leading all scorers with an impressive average of 26.5 points per game. He’s also hitting 45.5% of his field goals and 83.3% from the free-throw line, showcasing his strong offensive abilities. His teammate, five-star target Tyran Stokes, is also drawing interest from Kentucky coaches, who have been watching him closely throughout the live period.

With Crowe now committed elsewhere, Kentucky has several other backcourt targets on their radar. Notable names like five-star shooting guards Jordan Smith Jr. and Caleb Holt, as well as point guards Ikenna Alozie and Tay Kinney, are still options. Coaches have been keeping a close eye on them at Peach Jam.

This commitment shows the changing dynamics of college basketball recruitment. In recent years, experts have noted a trend where top recruits favor early commitments to avoid intense competition later. According to a recent NCAA study, nearly 40% of high school athletes commit before their senior year. Crowe’s choice to sign with Missouri highlights how schools are adapting their strategies to build strong rosters ahead of time.

As Crowe embarks on his journey at Missouri, his decision sparks discussions in the college basketball community. Fans and analysts are eager to see how this commitment affects future recruitments for both Missouri and Kentucky.

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Jason Crowe Jr. (26 – Inglewood)