What did Kansas get in Tyran Stokes?

TORRANCE, CA - APRIL 17: Tyran Stokes from Rainier Beach High School (WA) looks on before the Jordan Brand Classic high school basketball all-star game on April 17, 2026 at El Camino College in Torrance, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

As you’ve probably heard, Bill Self landed the top recruit in the country Tuesday night. That comes in the form of Tyran Stokes, a 6’7, 240 pound “point forward” type of player who will likely be considered the team’s starting small forward.

Stokes is a beast, physically. He has the build to overpower defenders even at D1 level as a freshman, and he has the confidence and willingness to do it too. He’s also a gifted passer, capable of using his gravity to set up open shots for those around him. So much so that his high school coach refers to him as “Magic Johnson with a jump shot.” Oh yeah, he can shoot it, too. I don’t envision him hoisting threes coming around high screens or anything, but he’s more than capable of knocking down outside shots when he gets the opportunity. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him hit around 35% on decent volume.

Between the rumors about his attitude and the flashy commitment announcement live on ESPN, which in real time he likened to a “gender reveal,” it’s not a secret that Stokes has swagger. Is it too much swagger? That remains to be seen. However, I don’t see any freshman, no matter how talented or confident, walking all over Bill Self. While there may will be some butting of heads behind the scenes, Stokes doesn’t seem like the type of kid to let that deter him or hinder his performance.

Now, the remaining question is how next year’s team will look with Stokes in the mix. The projected starting lineup looks something like this:

PG – Taylen Kinney

SG – Leroy Blyden, Jr

SF – Tyran Stokes

PF – Keanu Dawes

C – battle between Reeves and Mbiya

There’s a lot of potential in that lineup, but there are questions, too. Kinney is a five star recruit, but will still be a freshman trying to initiate the offense. Blyden had about as good a freshman year as you could have asked for at Toledo, but he has a thin frame and is taking a big step up into Big 12 play. Stokes may ultimately be next year’s top draft pick but, like Kinney, will still be a freshman. Dawes is arguably the most solid starter in the group, having proven that he can be a productive two-way player at the four for a Big 12 team already. There’s a lot of height and potential at center, but neither Reeves or Mbiya has shown that they are a polished, high major big man quite yet in their careers.

Stokes doesn’t solve all KU’s roster questions for next year, but he provides a lot of excitement and immediately raises the bar for what the team can accomplish. I personally feel that Self needs another guard and wing who are both good enough to be counted upon if there end up being any concerns about Kinney and Blyden. If he can find that in the portal (and if they can shoot threes!), this team may end up with a high ceiling once again.