Kansas’ Top 15 in 2027 — End-of-Summer Rankings, Part II

Let's continue to look at my 2027 class rankings in Kansas as summer comes to a close and our list rolls on. We'll now break down the next group of players (6-10) in my rankings, again reviewing how each player's summer went and fast-forwarding to what the winter may look like for each player and their respective programs.   10 (tie). [player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis'] | 6'7" Wing | Blue Valley North   While Davis' spring was a little quieter than most expected, he really heated up during the summer months and helped lead the Netherlands U18 group to a gold medal at FIBA EuroBasket. His name has always been near the top when discussing some of Kansas' best in the 2027 class, and for good reason. He's long and fluid while pairing that with an impressive amount of skill. He can handle the ball and break down defenses off the dribble while also shooting the ball efficiently from deep.   But it's his play in transition right now that probably rises to the top, not to mention his ability to rebound the basketball on both ends and distribute. The reigning Eastern Kansas League MVP from last season looks to win the award again this winter while leading the Mustangs to a state championship in the process. It's definitely doable with Will leading the way and some returning pieces around him.   He currently holds offers from UMKC, Tulsa, Tennessee State, and Oral Roberts.   10 (tie). [player_tooltip player_id='2866725' first='Brendan' last='Walsh'] | 6'2" Guard | Blue Valley   I would put Walsh right there with Davis inside the top ten when ranking the state's best. While he's been a known commodity around the metro over the past two years, he really hadn't generated much in terms of recruiting until this summer, picking up a number of offers. I would point to his growth offensively as the main reason, showing programs he can really score it from all three levels while embracing a methodical and deliberate pace in the process. Brendan excelled at creating advantages this summer by using subtle changes of speed and his body to hold off defenders, forcing defenses into rotation.   His shooting also looks much more consistent, especially off the bounce, as he can flow into his shot quicker and with more suddenness, throwing defenders off balance. While he is still more than comfortable playing a pass-first brand out of ball screens, he now can also hunt his offense, finding and navigating space with solid footwork and feel.   Expect Walsh to take Blue Valley as far as he can. He will be the unquestioned leader of the Tigers this coming winter. He currently holds offers from Lamar, Northwest Missouri State, Eastern Michigan, and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.   9. Jayden Hopkins | 6'1" Guard | Sunrise Christian   Where to start with Hopkins — he's about as talented a guard as you will find in the state. He's well built, quick, and ultra aggressive, especially offensively. The summer showed an explosive jumper around the rim and a physical presence when pushing pace to the rim in transition. He really invites contact, often initiating it with the ball to get to spots on the floor where he feels most comfortable. His feel out of ball screens also looks to be growing as he can read different coverages and find seams for rollers to the rim.   Add in a growing perimeter shooting ability off the bounce with deep range, and you now have a really tough cover. Not to mention what he can do defensively with his activity level and athleticism to really push opposing ball handlers and guards to be more and more uncomfortable. There's a lot to like with his overall game, and his continued growth as a perimeter shooter could really take things to another level. There's no doubt in my mind that he will be the engine behind Sunrise's attack this winter and should be surrounded by a strong supporting cast to really allow his game to shine against strong competition.   His offer list is long, including a number of Division I programs such as Wyoming, Jacksonville, Texas State, Chattanooga, Sam Houston, Arkansas State, Eastern Michigan, Georgia State, Kennesaw State, UT Arlington, Cal State Bakersfield, Loyola, Morehead State, Omaha, Southeastern Louisiana, Stephen F. Austin, Tarleton State, UMass Lowell, and Vermont.   8. Avery Huston | 6'2" Guard | Monarch Academy   Huston has been to a few stops over the last couple of years, playing for some strong programs and collecting a multitude of offers along the way. He immediately becomes one of the top names in Kansas and should be an effective and crucial piece for Monarch Academy in its inaugural year. Much more athletic and explosive than he looks, he has a quick first step and bursts off the dribble as a slasher. He possesses a deep finishing package, as he can use either hand, hang in the air, or even sky well above the rim at times.   It's his smooth shooting, however, that impressed the most this summer. He always seems to be on balance and ready to shoot at all times, with an effortless release that makes him a constant threat from the perimeter. He's definitely a three-level scorer who can really get going when he sees a few shots go down, particularly early. He flows really well with the ball in his hands and appears to consistently get primary defenders off balance, allowing him to dictate where he wants to go and how he wants to attack.   He's another guy with a long offer list, including Virginia, Virginia Tech, New Mexico State, UTEP, Bethune-Cookman, Illinois-Chicago, and Portland. With his scoring ability and experience playing at a high level, Huston should be one of the players to watch closely as Monarch Academy begins its first season.   7. [player_tooltip player_id='3696446' first='Teke' last='Deng'] | 6'11" Forward | Sunrise Christian   A name that I've talked about at length all summer, Deng's rise has been well documented, and he continues to create avenues for himself that should benefit him in the long run. Sunrise Christian's most recent addition is a big one — with the best shot blocker and versatile big in the state heading to the Buffaloes. Everybody knows what Teke brings to the table — size, length, versatility, and a presence that does not come around often.   While his junior year saw him help Olathe North take home a state championship, the Sunrise move sets him up for a big year of focused development and growth that should help him fill out physically a little bit while continuing to add layers to his game. Over the summer, he looked much more comfortable on the offensive end with his ability to face up and even play off the perimeter at times with an above-average handle and a flashy perimeter shot. He wants to dunk everything around the rim, often finishing with force through traffic, and never seems to back down from collapsing or crowding defenses.   He too collected multiple offers this summer from UNLV, Kansas State, DePaul, and Loyola, and one doesn't have to be too smart to know that many more will likely be on the way. It will be impressive to watch how Hopkins and Deng gel together, especially as the winter continues to roll on and they build chemistry together.   6. Kameron Cooper | 6'5" Wing | Manhattan   Huge news in the state as it appears Bishop Gorman star Cooper will head to Manhattan this fall following his recent commitment to Kansas State. A do-it-all type of player with broad shoulders and a lot of confidence, Kameron had a huge summer, putting up big numbers while showing the depth and versatility he brings to the floor. His perimeter shooting really flashed, as he consistently shot the ball with confidence, showing a quick trigger and fluid stroke.   At his core, though, he's a load to keep in front of off the dribble, and he attacks the rim fearlessly. He also isn't afraid to stick his nose inside and battle for rebounds, going after the ball with a high motor. His size allows him to have success defending different body types, while his agility and instincts make him tough on the ball and able to switch when needed. There's a lot of versatility to his game, and he can impact the game in a number of different ways without having to force things.   A player like Cooper should take the reins of a Manhattan program that has had success in recent years but has seemed to lack the big name that could push them over the hump. Kameron will certainly provide that. With his ability to score, defend, rebound, and make plays in a variety of ways, he'll have the opportunity to step in and immediately become the focal point for a program looking to take that next step.

Let's continue to look at my 2027 class rankings in Kansas as summer comes to a close and our list rolls on. We'll now break down the next group of players (6-10) in my rankings, again reviewing how each player's summer went and fast-forwarding to what the winter may look like for each player and their respective programs.

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Kansas’ Top 15 in 2027 — End-of-Summer Rankings, Part II

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