Mizzou Center Trent Burns Undergoes Surgery, Faces 6-12 Weeks Out

Missouri men's basketball center Trent Burns will miss the start of the 2025-26 season after undergoing successful surgery for a stress reaction in his right foot, a similar injury to the one that sidelined him for his entire freshman season. Burns is expected to be out for six weeks before starting a return-to-play protocol, with a full recovery timeline estimated between 8 to 12 weeks, potentially allowing him to debut in the team's non-conference schedule in November or early December. Head coach Dennis Gates emphasized that Burns' health is the top priority and views the surgery as a minor disruption in what is expected to be a promising basketball career. Burns, a 7-foot-5 redshirt freshman and member of Missouri's highly ranked 2024 recruiting class, is noted for his rare size and ability to stretch the floor with strong three-point shooting, making him a unique and impactful player for the Tigers. The team decided on surgery after a flare-up during offseason preparation, shifting from the previous approach of natural recovery. The program and coaching staff look forward to his return and the significant impact he can have once healthy.