After missing out on Tyran Stokes, the top prospect among all five-star recruits in the high school class of 2026, Kentucky Wildcats coach Mark Pope has shared his thoughts.
On Tuesday, Rainier Beach High School forward Stokes announced his college basketball commitment on the “Inside The NBA” show alongside the likes of former NBA players Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith.
As it stands, Stokes announced that he has committed to play for coach Bill Self’s Kansas Jayhawks in the 2026-27 campaign. This comes after over a year of Stokes being recruited, with his top two destinations being the Wildcats and the Jayhawks.
Despite coach Pope’s efforts, Stokes decided to go the other way. In a post on X/Twitter by college hoops reporter Tristan Pharis, Pope is staying optimistic despite losing out on Stokes.
“We’re excited about where we are. Just hang in there. I think recruiting is going to work out just great,” Pope was quoted as saying.
Stokes now joins coach Self’s Kansas-based program, which went all the way to the second round of this year’s national tournament and finished with an overall record of 24-11 (12-6 Big 12). Stokes’ arrival comes just after Jayhawks star Darryn Peterson declared for the 2026 NBA Draft. Coach Pope and company will be looking to improve on their second-round exit from the 2026 March Madness.
Tyran Stokes Went To Another Blue School In The Kansas Jayhawks, Apart From The Kentucky Wildcats
In a video posted by college hoops reporter Tristan Pharis on X/Twitter, a clip from Tyran Stokes’ commitment announcement during an “Inside The NBA” segment is seen.
In the clip, as Stokes was unveiling where he was headed to play in college basketball, NBA legend Charles Barkley blurted out that there was a lot of blue during his reveal. Stokes dismissed Barkley’s remark, as it seemingly alludes to the blue colors of the Kentucky Wildcats.
“It’s a lot of blue over there,” Barkley said, with Stokes responding by saying, “Don’t get too excited.
Also Read: “Moved Back”: Fans Doubt Tyran Stokes’ Decision Day Report as Kentucky Nervously Awaits
Read More: Tyran Stokes Shows Off New Tattoo, But One Background Detail has Kentucky Fans Excited
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