Vashon High boys basketball standout Jimmy McKinney III has given a commitment to Saint Louis University.
A four-star recruit, a 6’2″ shooting guard, announced his commitment on social media on Monday. He becomes the Billikens’ first recruiting commitment in 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, he 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 earned a spot on the St. Louis American “Fab Five” First-Team.
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. Senior guard Kellen Thames, recruited by former SLU coach Travis Ford, also returns after earning All Atlantic 10 Conference honors last season. Thames attended Pattonville High.