“Former Mizzou Standouts Bates, Grill, and Brown Showcase Talent in NBA Summer League — Here’s How They Performed on the Big Stage”

The NBA Summer League is a proving ground, a stage where dreams either take flight or fade into the backdrop. For former Missouri basketball players D’Moi Hodge Bates, Caleb Grill, and Kobe Brown, it was a platform to show that their time in Columbia wasn’t the peak but just the beginning of their journeys in professional basketball. Each brought something different to the hardwood—energy, versatility, and a hunger to belong—and their performances in Las Vegas gave NBA scouts, coaches, and fans a close look at the next chapter of their development.

Bates, known for his athleticism and two-way potential, entered Summer League with a chip on his shoulder. After a college career that showed flashes of brilliance, there were still lingering questions about how his game would translate to the next level. From the opening tip, however, Bates made it clear that he wasn’t just there to participate—he was there to prove something. Whether it was diving for loose balls, locking down opposing guards, or slashing to the rim with explosive intent, Bates looked every bit like a player determined to earn a two-way contract or, better yet, a full-time roster spot. His stats may not have blown people away—averaging 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals over five games—but his energy was infectious. Coaches took notice, and he consistently drew the tougher defensive assignments, signaling a level of trust not often handed to rookies or invitees.

For Caleb Grill, his Summer League story was more about fit and identity. A relentless shooter and gritty competitor during his college days, Grill needed to show he could do more than just shoot the three-ball. Playing for a system that emphasized quick decision-making and spacing, he found his rhythm in a hybrid guard role. There were moments where his sharpshooting defined games, such as his 5-for-7 outing from deep against the Rockets’ Summer League squad. But there were also stretches where his defense, hustle plays, and off-ball movement stood out. Grill averaged 10.2 points on 42% shooting from beyond the arc, and even chipped in nearly 3 assists per game, a welcome sign of his evolution as a creator rather than just a floor spacer. Interviews with assistant coaches indicated that Grill had been impressing in practice with his leadership and toughness, two qualities every NBA bench craves. If nothing else, he solidified himself as a strong candidate for a two-way deal or a prominent G League role, where he can continue to refine his game and possibly break into an NBA rotation down the road.

Then there was Kobe Brown, perhaps the most established of the trio. Drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round in 2023, Brown came into this year’s Summer League not with the desperation of someone trying to make a name, but with the quiet pressure of someone expected to make a leap. His rookie season with the Clippers was filled with flashes—moments where his blend of size, skill, and basketball IQ made him look like a potential rotation player. But this Summer League was about consistency and control, and Brown delivered both. He averaged 13.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting an efficient 48% from the floor and 38% from three. What stood out, however, wasn’t just the stats. It was the way he commanded the floor. Brown played like a veteran—directing traffic, calling out defensive switches, and making smart, timely decisions with the ball. His passing was particularly noteworthy, especially in short-roll situations, where he consistently found cutters and shooters. That kind of vision from a forward is rare, and it’s a skill that could keep him in the NBA for a long time.

Brown’s defense also looked sharper than it had a year ago. He switched onto smaller guards more confidently, held his ground in the post, and was rarely out of position. While he doesn’t project as a lockdown defender, his ability to guard multiple positions and make team-first rotations adds value to any bench unit. By the end of the Clippers’ Summer League schedule, team insiders were already buzzing about Brown potentially carving out a regular spot in the rotation come the regular season. His maturity and all-around game made him one of the most quietly impactful players in Las Vegas.

What unites Bates, Grill, and Brown is not just their Missouri connection, but their gritty, unselfish approach to the game. None of them dominated the headlines or made highlight reels on a nightly basis. But each showed flashes—moments where their effort, preparation, and competitive spirit rose above the noise. NBA Summer League is as much about mental fortitude as it is about talent. It’s a chaotic environment filled with players all fighting for limited opportunities, and it’s easy to get lost in the mix. But the Missouri trio stood tall in their own ways.

Off the court, they also carried themselves with the kind of professionalism that endears players to organizations. Bates spoke after one game about how he’s focused on being “coachable and consistent,” knowing that those two traits can go a long way in securing a roster spot. Grill emphasized the importance of doing “whatever it takes to help the team win,” a sentiment echoed by several teammates during media sessions. Brown, always composed, said his goal was simply to “keep growing and make an impact where I can,” a mindset that’s already paying off as he enters his second NBA season.

Looking ahead, the paths for these three may diverge, but their foundation is solid. Bates might start in the G League, but his defensive versatility and energy make him a candidate for call-ups, especially for teams that value tenacity and perimeter defense. Grill’s sharpshooting and effort could earn him a role on a team looking for bench firepower and locker room stability. And Brown, already with an NBA team, appears poised to take the next step from role player to key contributor if he keeps trending upward.

Their Summer League stints won’t make national headlines, and they may not have put up the eye-popping numbers that get casual fans talking. But for those who watched closely, it was clear that these former Mizzou Tigers weren’t just filling out rosters—they were pushing the game forward, one possession at a time. The NBA is a long grind, full of peaks and valleys, and it demands more than just talent. It asks for resilience, adaptability, and heart. Bates, Grill, and Brown showed they have all three in spades.

For Missouri basketball fans, this Summer League served as a proud reminder of the program’s ability to develop players not just for college success but for professional competition. Each of these athletes carried the Mizzou legacy into arenas packed with scouts and executives, wearing not just the jersey of their current team but the invisible imprint of their college roots. It was more than a tryout. It was a statement. And if their trajectories continue upward, this won’t be the last we hear of them—not by a long shot.