Should Missouri Basketball Reconsider Pursuing Oklahoma Transfer Duke Miles to Bolster Backcourt Depth and Experience for Upcoming Season?

The Missouri Tigers find themselves at a pivotal juncture in the offseason, carefully evaluating ways to reinforce their roster after a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. While much of the focus has been on incoming freshmen, development of returners, and a few early portal acquisitions, one name that lingers as both intriguing and potentially impactful is Duke Miles—the Oklahoma guard who recently entered the transfer portal. With experience, production, and positional versatility all on his side, the question now arises: Should Mizzou circle back and make a stronger push to land Miles?

There’s no doubt that Duke Miles brings value. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 9.9 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game this past season for the Sooners while shooting nearly 45% from the field. Even more notably, his turnover rate remained impressively low for a primary ball-handler. Miles displayed composure and efficiency, especially in late-game situations, something Missouri desperately lacked during tight contests last season. His ability to score at the rim, facilitate for others, and defend at a respectable level makes him a coveted piece in an increasingly competitive SEC landscape.

Missouri’s struggles last year weren’t for lack of talent but rather for lack of cohesion, veteran leadership, and late-game execution—areas where Miles could realistically offer tangible improvement. The Tigers posted one of the worst records in the conference, and while Dennis Gates remains a forward-thinking and respected head coach, the on-court product will need an injection of mature leadership if the Tigers hope to flip the narrative next season. That’s where Miles comes in—not as a superstar, but as a capable, steadying force at the point.

When he transferred to Oklahoma from Troy before the 2023-24 season, Miles was looking to prove he belonged in a power conference. By most metrics, he succeeded. His minutes remained consistent, and he started in more than half the games, proving he could handle both backup and starting responsibilities. While he didn’t become a go-to scorer in Norman, he carved out a vital role on a team fighting through Big 12 gauntlets weekly. He also showed he could blend in with other high-usage guards, something that would be necessary at Mizzou given the current backcourt picture.

The Tigers currently have a somewhat crowded but unsettled guard rotation. Sean East is gone, leaving a leadership void, and while Nick Honor was a reliable veteran presence last year, he’s out of eligibility. That leaves the likes of Caleb Grill, Anthony Robinson II, and incoming freshmen to shoulder ball-handling duties—none of whom has yet proven the ability to consistently lead an SEC offense. Grill is more of a combo guard and catch-and-shoot option, while Robinson is still learning the nuances of playing against high-level competition. A player like Miles could slot in as either a starter or a sixth man, easing the burden on younger players and giving Gates lineup flexibility.

Another factor in Miles’ favor is his commitment to two-way basketball. While not a lockdown defender, he’s quick on his feet and smart in help situations, often making up for any lack of size with anticipation and hustle. Missouri’s defense last year was porous in key moments, particularly in perimeter rotations. Adding a veteran who understands how to read offensive sets and rotate appropriately could bring a noticeable bump in team defense, even if Miles isn’t the most athletic guard in the portal.

There’s also the culture component to consider. By all accounts, Miles is well-liked in the locker room, coachable, and team-oriented. He embraced a supporting role at Oklahoma, never complained publicly about minutes or shot distribution, and was praised for his professionalism and effort. Missouri has placed a premium on building a cohesive, drama-free locker room under Gates. If that culture is to take the next step, it must include players who’ve already been tested by the highs and lows of major college basketball. Miles fits that mold perfectly.

Yet, despite all of these positives, Missouri has yet to appear seriously involved in Miles’ recruitment since he entered the portal. That raises two possibilities: either Gates and his staff don’t believe Miles is the right stylistic fit, or they are quietly waiting to see how other dominoes fall before making a decision. The transfer portal is fluid, and timing matters. But at some point, the Tigers will need to prioritize proven commodities over long-term projects. Miles is exactly that—a plug-and-play guard who doesn’t require heavy development and who could produce from day one.

Financial considerations also come into play. NIL opportunities and scholarship availability must be weighed carefully. While Missouri has the infrastructure to support key portal additions, they likely have their sights set on higher-profile targets, especially those with scoring prowess or All-Conference upside. Still, in a market where portal guards are being scooped up quickly, holding out for a home run may result in striking out entirely. That’s what makes Miles appealing—he may not be a superstar, but he’s a safe double that extends the inning and keeps the offense moving.

Even if Missouri lands a high-ceiling freshman or another portal guard later this offseason, there’s little downside in adding depth. Injuries, foul trouble, and matchups can dictate different rotations over a long season. Having Miles on the bench ready to contribute makes Missouri deeper and more prepared. In a year where every win could be the difference between an NIT invite and a spot in the NCAA Tournament, those extra five to eight quality minutes per half matter more than ever.

There’s also the broader SEC picture to consider. The league is getting stronger at the guard position, with Kentucky retooling under Mark Pope, Alabama reloading with top-tier recruits, and Tennessee maintaining its defensive intensity. Missouri can’t afford to be thin at point guard. The teams that survive and thrive in March typically have experienced guards who won’t be rattled under pressure. That’s precisely what Miles brings, and why it would be a misstep to let him go without a real pursuit.

From a purely basketball standpoint, Miles checks nearly every box Missouri needs: experience, positional versatility, defensive awareness, passing instincts, and maturity. From a program culture standpoint, he’s equally appealing. The Tigers must now decide if they can build a contender without someone like him—or whether doubling back on Miles represents a smarter path forward than waiting for a potentially flashier name to drop.

Of course, Miles himself must weigh his options. Other schools will likely offer more prominent roles or greater NIL incentives. But if Gates and Missouri sell him on fit, opportunity, and the chance to be a stabilizing veteran voice in a young backcourt, it could be the right match. Missouri has long been a program that benefits from players with chips on their shoulders, players looking to prove something. Duke Miles fits that profile as well.

Ultimately, Missouri has to ask itself what kind of team it wants to be next season. If the answer includes being tougher, more experienced, and more consistent at guard, then Duke Miles should be back on the board. Waiting too long might mean missing out—not just on Miles, but on the opportunity to correct the very issues that plagued the Tigers last season.

Does Missouri have the luxury to pass on a proven, SEC-ready guard like Duke Miles? Or will they regret not making a move when a piece that solves multiple problems was sitting in the portal, ready to be picked up?

That’s the kind of question that could define the 2025-26 season.