Stokes, the potential No. 1 pick in the ’27 NBA draft, chose Kansas

Tyrann StokesThe No. 1 senior in the nation and will play for the consensus pick for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA draft. Kansas next season, he announced Tuesday.

Stokes chose the Jayhawks kentuckyHe announced his decision on ESPN’s “NBA Tip-Off” before the start of Tuesday’s playoff games He is ranked No. 1 on ESPN’s 2026 SC Next 100.

Kansas and Kentucky have waged an intense recruiting battle over Stokes’ commitment, back and forth over the past few months. The Wildcats appeared to be the clear leader in the fall, but when the early signing period came and went without Stokes’ commitment, Kansas surged and became the favorite as the college season progressed. Later in the season, however, Stokes visited Kentucky and the Wildcats closed the gap. But Kansas was able to hold off a late push from Mark Pope’s program.

Stokes is a huge and much-needed recruiting win for Bill Self and Kansas. He joins the second five-star commitment, point guard, for the Jayhawks in the 2026 class buy telenAnd gives himself a potential No. 1 NBA draft pick for the second consecutive season Darren Peterson Spent this past season in Lawrence. Kansas also now has the No. 2 ranked recruiting class in the nation.

After four straight seasons without advancing to the Sweet 16, Self is a preseason All-American and Stokes is the focal point for the postseason team. His promise comes on the heels of the portal addition Leroy Blyden Jr. (Toledo), Keanu Dawes (Utah) and Christian Reeves (Charleston).

A 6-foot-7 small forward, Stokes has been considered one of the best players in his class over the past few years. He earned several power-conference scholarship offers before his freshman season at Prolific Prep (Calif.), made a name for himself playing in the older age groups on the Nike EYBL circuit and with USA Basketball.

Stokes, originally from Louisville, Kentucky, transferred to Notre Dame High School in Los Angeles in the summer of 2024 but then transferred days before the start of his senior season in November. He eventually enrolled at Rainier Beach High School in Seattle and played there last season. Stokes helped lead Rainier Beach to a state championship — including a 63-point performance on his senior night in front of Kansas and Kentucky assistant coaches.

Last summer, Stokes was the best player on the Nike EYBL circuit, averaging 22.4 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Oakland Soldiers program.

He has won three gold medals with USA Basketball, including the FIBA ​​U-16 Americas Championship in 2023, the FIBA ​​U17 Basketball World Cup in 2024 and last summer’s FIBA ​​U19 Basketball World Cup. He averaged 10.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 20 games in those three tournaments.

Stokes possesses an unusual blend of scoring, playmaking and high-volume rebounding. According to Synergy Sports data, he shot 51% from the field and 36% from 3-point range last summer on the Nike EYBL circuit, while getting to the free throw line 10.4 times per game, one of the highest numbers in that database. Attack the rim with Anthony Edwards-Level power and regularly earn trips to the line.

Next season should provide a clearer picture of his decision-making and passing, which is already exceptional for a player with his physical tools. His playmaking approach draws comparisons Denny Avdija of Portland Trail Blazers.