Mitchell and Gunn Participated in Mizzou Pro Day
Ineligible players Mark Mitchell and C.J. Gunn joined the team at Mizzou Arena as legal disputes over their status continue.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Basketball
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Mark Mitchell and C.J. Gunn took part in the Mizzou basketball Pro Day on October 11, 2026, despite being currently ineligible for the upcoming season. Both players exhausted their four-year athletic eligibility following the 2025-26 season.
Why it matters
The players are seeking a temporary restraining order and permanent injunction to regain eligibility, while team members have approved their inclusion in ongoing practices. Their participation highlights a growing legal conflict involving student-athlete eligibility requirements.
Mitchell and Gunn competed during the 2022-23 to 2025-26 seasons after graduating from high school in 2022. Gunn additionally played in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, while Mitchell participated in the NBA summer league.
The players
Mark Mitchell
He is a college basketball player who participated in the NBA summer league after exhausting his athletic eligibility.
C.J. Gunn
He is a collegiate athlete who played in the Canadian Elite Basketball League and is currently seeking a court-ordered injunction to play.
The details
C.J. Gunn filed a lawsuit requesting a temporary restraining order to allow for participation in the 2026-27 season. Meanwhile, Mark Mitchell is reportedly considering a separate legal filing in Missouri to challenge his current status.
Timeline
October 11, 2026: Mizzou basketball hosted its Pro Day.
October 13, 2026: A hearing is scheduled for C.J. Gunn regarding his eligibility status.
October 23, 2026: Missouri faces Kansas State in an exhibition game.
October 29, 2026: Missouri plays an exhibition game against UNLV at 9:00 p.m.
November 3, 2026: The regular season opens against Cleveland State at 7:00 p.m.
Season Trajectory
The potential inclusion of these players significantly impacts Missouri's roster depth and the competitive balance of the upcoming season. Their eligibility status remains a primary variable affecting the team's rotation ahead of their early exhibition schedule.
The court's decision on the injunction will directly dictate whether these players can suit up for the season opener against Cleveland State on November 3. Their availability fundamentally alters the roster composition for the team's upcoming exhibition games against Kansas State and UNLV.
The takeaway
The intersection of legal action and collegiate athletics continues to challenge standard eligibility timelines. Fans should monitor upcoming court proceedings to understand if these players will be active for the regular season.
What happens next
A hearing regarding the temporary restraining order for C.J. Gunn is set for October 13, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
Further reading
For more information on the team, visit the Basketball section.
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