St. Louis area prep basketball star Jimmy McKinney III, committed to Saint Louis University. (Photo: Thomas Grove)
ST. LOUIS, MO — The Saint Louis University men’s basketball program landed a big time recruit on Monday, when St. Louis-area high school standout Jimmy McKinney III announced his commitment to the Billikens.
McKinney, a four-star rated shooting guard, who has starred at local powerhouse Vashon High School the last few years, announced his commitment to SLU via social media and is the Billikens’ first recruit commitment of the Class of 2027.
McKinney is the son of former Vashon star and University of Missouri standout Jimmy McKinney, who is currently the Wolverines’ head coach. In his three varsity seasons at Vashon, McKinney III helped the Wolverines win two state championships and secure a fourth-place finish in Class 4 this past season.
As a junior, McKinney averaged 17.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals. He made 68 3-pointers while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range and 79 percent from the free throw line. He led the Wolverines to a 24-5 record and was a First-Team All-State selection.
McKinney played summer grassroots basketball with the Brad Beal Elite 17U squad in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. He was one of the top scorers for BBE’s team that earned a berth in the annual EYBL Peach Jam.
McKinney’s commitment continues a recent trend of St. Louis area standouts staying home to play for head coach Josh Schertz and his staff. Former John Burroughs standout Sheek Pearson and former East St. Louis standout Jamison White are on the current Billikens roster.
Pearson is a redshirt freshman, while White is an incoming freshman, who will play his first college season this year. Senior guard Kellen Thames, recruited by former SLU coach Travis Ford, will also be on the Billikens’ roster this season, after earning All-Atlantic 10 Conference honors last year.
Thames, who is the son of another former Mizzou standout, Kelly Thames, played his high school ball at Pattonville High School.
The Billikens went 29-6 last year, were the Atlantic 10 regular season champions, and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, before losing to eventual national champion, Michigan.