Duke, Gerdeman Open the 2027 Rankings — Missouri’s Top 25

Missouri's 2027 class is extremely deep, and the names at the top have been well known for quite some time now. I'll break down my top 25 players in the state, examining what they were able to do this summer and how it translates as we now turn to fall, with the season just about two months away. This article will specifically look at players 21-25 and begin a five-part series.   25. [player_tooltip player_id='2334904' first='Kylan' last='Pickren'] | 6'5" Wing | Ozark   I'll continue to have Pickren in my top 25 player rankings inside the state, and I could even have him higher in my opinion. There's just too much to like about his game and how he thinks when he's on the floor. Although he continues to wait on offers, I know what he brings to the table — a physical and smart wing who has always been able to really shoot it.   This summer was big for Kylan. I think he adapted well to what defenses gave him, and he really showed a deep bag on the offensive side of the floor. He continued to shoot the ball well from the perimeter, but also flashed an in-between game and a versatile finishing array as a slasher from the wing. His ability to play off of others is also extremely underrated — he can find space as a cutter while also playing in different actions away from the ball.   He's tough as nails defensively and has added good size and strength, which he uses to his advantage. It's crazy to look at the numbers he put up a year ago for Ozark and think those numbers could continue to increase this winter. I can see many Division II programs extending offers at some point over the next few months.   24. Sabastian Bolden | 6'3" Guard | Clayton   Bolden, a name with still a massive amount of upside, is really starting to come into his own as a player. His length and patience with the ball over the summer were evident — he operates with slight changes of speed and uses his body to get to space often. He's got a nose to score the ball, as he can shoot up and over smaller guards while also showcasing a loose enough handle to find space around the perimeter and get his shot off.   He looks more confident as a shooter and even flashed different floaters and fades over the summer months that really made him tough to cover. I think he should take a big jump this winter defensively as well — thanks to that length and anticipation he often plays with.   Lindenwood offered this summer, bringing his first Division I offer to the table. Expect Sabastian to continue to add a few more inches and fill out throughout the fall and winter, which should make him even more coveted at the next level. He should be a crucial piece to a very talented Clayton program looking to get back to another state championship game.   23. [player_tooltip player_id='2528208' first='Chase' last='Duke'] | 6'3" Wing | Vianney   As I've mentioned before, Duke is a tough and interchangeable piece that programs should be extremely interested in. This summer, he added offers from Illinois Wesleyan and McKendree after consistent, strong play. He's a glue player who brings a lot of impact on both ends, often even without the basketball.   Although he projects as a wing right now, I do see an avenue where he could be a strong guard at the next level with the level of IQ he plays with and his growing perimeter shooting repertoire. The summer continued to see him play downhill as a driver and play through contact — his broad shoulders and strength allow him to initiate contact and finish through bigger defenders.   His shooting release looks quicker, and he really showed an underrated handle, especially in traffic. Where he's different is how he pursues the basketball defensively and on the glass — the kid just competes at a really high level and brings an edge. Vianney should be extremely dangerous again this winter, and you should expect Duke to lead the attack and embrace the leadership role.   22. [player_tooltip player_id='2836920' first='Damarion' last='Verges'] | 6'6" Wing | Clayton   Verges could easily be inside the top 15 on this list after this winter, if not higher. Much like Bolden, he's another Clayton product with tremendous upside, and I saw a player this summer who took another step forward. He's now a legitimate wing who moves fluidly in the open floor and continues to round out his offensive scoring package.   His shooting stroke looks smooth, and he can really space and stretch the floor while also being able to sky above the rim in transition as a smooth finisher. He's extremely underrated operating around the rim, as he can use shot fakes and pivots to free himself regularly.   With an offer from UT Arlington this summer, you'd like to think there are definitely more coming soon, as he still has room to grow into his frame and add strength. Expect full box scores this winter at Clayton from Damarion, along with the ability to flash and stand out on a regular basis.   21. [player_tooltip player_id='2338877' first='Karson' last='Gerdeman'] | 6'0" Guard | St. Charles West   No doubt Gerdeman is a name that needs to be recognized much more — he's one of the more steady and smart lead guards around the state. With offers from Drury and Western Illinois in his back pocket, I think this fall and winter will be huge for Karson as he looks to add a few more options and start to clear up the recruiting picture.   His vision and anticipation as a passer is something he doesn't get enough credit for, and it was something that really popped this summer. He just flat-out made plays — not only for himself, but for others. He was one of the more unselfish players I watched all summer. He also looked stronger and quicker, especially in tight spaces, and his finishing at the rim looked improved.   Not to be forgotten, he can get to his pull-up in transition and also shoots it well off the catch from long range. Coming off a huge year with St. Charles West last winter, I think the bar moves even higher as he should put up big numbers around the St. Louis metro area and within the state as a whole.

Missouri's 2027 class is extremely deep, and the names at the top have been well known for quite some time now. I'll break down my top 25 players in the state, examining what they were able to do this summer and how it translates as we now turn to fall, with the season just about two months away. This article will specifically look at players 21-25 and begin a five-part series.