KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas Jayhawks have landed the No. 1 ranked high school basketball player in the class of 2026, Tyran Stokes.
Stokes announced his decision on ESPN’s Inside the NBA, choosing Kansas over Kentucky in what has been long-awaited decision.
This is a massive acquisition for Bill Self and the Jayhawks, who essentially will have a brand new roster after a majority of their rotation from last season entered the transfer portal.
Stokes currently attends Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, Washington, the alma mater of retired NBA player and Rainier Beach assistant coach Jamal Crawford.
Kansas’ assistant coach Kurtis Townsend recruited Crawford and reportedly developed a close relationship with him and Stokes, playing a large part in Stokes choosing Kansas.
Stokes also is close friends with current Kansas commit and the top-ranked point guard in the class of 2026, Taylen Kinney.
This is the second straight season Kansas will have the potential No. 1 draft pick on their roster, after having Darryn Peterson last season.
Stokes gives the Jayhawks a significantly more optimistic outlook going into next season, as they look to reclaim their spot among college basketball’s hierarchy after a string of early tournament exits.
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