Kansas Lands Top 2026 Recruit Tyran Stokes

Tyran Stokes, the consensus top-ranked high school basketball recruit in the class of 2026, committed to the University of Kansas on Tuesday, announcing his decision live on ESPN's "Inside the NBA" pregame show.

The 6-foot-7, 230-pound forward from Rainier Beach High School in Seattle selected the Jayhawks over finalists Kentucky and Oregon, as well as other programs including Louisville and USC. Stokes revealed his choice using a mockup of an NBA 2K video game cover featuring himself in a Kansas jersey. "It's been a long journey. I'm grateful," Stokes said. "With that being said, I'm taking my talents to the University of Kansas. Rock Chalk."

Widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft, Stokes averaged 31 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and four steals per game during his senior season, which included a career-high 63 points in a game against West Seattle. He led the West team with 12 points and nine rebounds at the McDonald's All-American Game and helped Rainier Beach win a state championship. Stokes also earned three gold medals with USA Basketball, including at the FIBA U19 World Cup in 2025.

The commitment marks the second straight year Kansas coach Bill Self...