SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Head Men's Basketball Coach Bert Capel announced another talented recruiting class on Monday, adding commitments from four high school standouts and a collegiate transfer for the 2026-27 season.
The 2026 class is made up of talent all from Missouri.
"Losing six seniors to graduation is never easy to replace. However, the five athletes we signed this season along with the five guys we had sitting out last season make us believe that we have some guys that are going to help us compete." EU head coach Bert Capel stated.
Game times and dates for the 2026 season will be announced at a later date in early September.
Below are biographies of the recruits:
Jordyn Turner
Guard // 6-3, 165 // Nixa, Mo. // Transfer from Mission
Highlights:
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Two year starter at North Arkansas College in Harrison (NJCAA)
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Averaged 13.9 points per game and 5.7 rebounds per game in final year at NAC
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Averaged 7.6 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game in four contests at Mission
Paxton Ledbetter
Forward // 6-7, 195 // Rolla, Mo. // Rolla HS
Highlights:
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Led 22-7 senior campaign at Rolla HS
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Averaged 10 points per game and six rebounds per game
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All-District in Senior Season (2025-26)
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2x All-District Media Team (2024-25, 2025-26)
Ryder Rowden
Guard // 6-0, 170 // Springfield, Mo. // Springfield Catholic
Highlights:
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Averaged 22 ppg, 5.4 apg, 4.0 rpg, 3.7 spg during senior season
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Springfield Catholic's all-time leader in steals, 2nd in assists, and 5th in points
- All-Time Steals leader in Springfield, Missouri
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Ozarks Magnificent 11 (2025)
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3x All-Conference & All-District
Cody Jones
Guard // 5-10, 165 // Galena, Mo. // Galena HS
Highlights:
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Led Galena to 20-9 record last season
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Averaged 19 ppg, 4 rpg & apg, 2 spg
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All-Time leading scorer at Galena (2,145)
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4x All-District & All-Conference
Jude Wallace
Guard // 5-10, 145 // Willard, Mo. // Willard HS
Highlights:
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Averaged seven ppg, four apg, and shot 46 percent from three last season
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Hit game winning shots at Blue & Gold Tournament in junior & senior seasons
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Willard Classic Champs
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COC Player of the Week recipient
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