Missouri’s Class of 2027 just got a major boost on Friday, with four-star guard Devin Cleveland making his commitment to the Tigers live on the CBS Sports College Basketball YouTube channel.
Cleveland, a Chicago native ranked No. 30 in the cycle, picked Mizzou after an official visit with the program on Oct. 3. His final list came down to Missouri, Michigan and TCU, but the Tigers won out.
"Coaches usually tell you what you want to hear, tell you this, that and the third. I like how (Dennis Gates) just talks to me like a regular person, like even outside of basketball," Cleveland told PowerMizzou.com after his visit. "He tells me what I need to get better at, which is really cool because you don't see that from other coaches."
Missouri first offered Cleveland on May 15, and the relationship moved quickly from there. He said he heard from the Tigers’ staff every week, and he also connected with Gates through their shared Chicago roots.
On the court, Cleveland turned heads this summer while leading Brad Beal Elite in scoring on the Nike EYBL circuit. He averaged 16.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 0.8 steals, and helped BBE reach the Peach Jam Tournament.
With Cleveland on board, Missouri is now positioned to sign a pair of top-30 guards on National Signing Day next month, with Scottie Adkinson already in the class. Add four-star forward Cameron Barnes, the No. 98-ranked prospect in 2027, and the Tigers’ composite team score through the 247Sports Class Calculator jumps to 61.95, which currently ranks second nationally behind Houston. That total would have been good for the 22nd-best class in the country last year.
"Cleveland is a lean and lanky combo guard who projects as a guard who can stretch defenses from deep and provide some playmaking," 247Sports National Basketball Director Eric Bossi said. "He's a cool customer who plays a smooth game and I think he's a fun pairing with a fiery guy like Scottie Adkinson who plays a bit of a more aggressive and in-your-face style."
Cleveland is set to play his senior season at La Lumiere School in La Porte, Ind. PowerMizzou.com has reached out to him for comment on the decision. For now, the Tigers are not expected to add more players to the ’27 class, though that could change.
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