Tyran Stokes’ recruiting has been the talk of the town, with Kansas, Kentucky, Oregon, USC, and Louisville just some of the teams interested in signing the five-star prospect. With Bill Self’s Kansas considered by analysts as a lock to land the Rainer Beach star, Mark Pope’s Kentucky has made a last-minute push to try and swerve Stokes to the Rupp Arena.
According to insider Adam Zagoria, Mark Pope is set to host Tyran Stokes on Monday, April 13th. This comes just a couple of weeks after the Wildcats’ embarrassing defeat to Iowa State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Since getting knocked out of March Madness, Mark Pope has been on a mission to rebuild the Kentucky squad with multiple players moving in and out.
Besides Stokes, highly touted BYU transfer Rob Wright will also be visiting Kentucky after just a year alongside the projected No. 1 pick, AJ Dybantsa. Wright left the Baylor Bears for BYU, raking in a massive NIL fee last summer.
Stokes, a 6-foot-7 small forward out of Washington, put the basketball world on notice with his stellar EYBL play. Stokes showed off his incredible athleticism, pulling in 10 rebounds per game for the Oakland Soldiers while also giving fans a sneak peek into his knack for guard play.
The 7-foot wingspan, combined with size as well as dribbling ability, makes Stokes a mismatch for any defender.
Mark Pope’s Kentucky is in position to snatch Stokes away from Kansas
While Bill Self’s Jayhawks have been in the driving seat of the Tyran Stokes recruitment race, Stokes’ recent comments have cast doubts over his commitment to Kansas. Speaking to NBA reporter Krysten Peek, Stokes had the following to say about Kentucky:
“It’s a different coaching staff since the last time I was on campus, so just being able to go out there and talk to them and see what their plan is for me. Just going out there to see what they’re talking about.”
With the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Nike Hoop Summit out of the way, Stokes’ announcement is expected any day now. And Mark Pope’s Kentucky is in prime position to sway the Oakland Soldiers star their way.
Besides the massive NIL budget on offer, Stokes’ recent Nike deal can also play a part in the Wildcats’ last-ditch push, as Kentucky is a Nike school while Kansas is sponsored by Adidas. Moreover, Kentucky’s overall roster at the moment is stronger than Kansas’ with the Jayhawks losing Fiory Bidunga, Jamari McDowell, and other pieces to the transfer portal.
Read More:
Kentucky Haven’t Got Their Man Yet as Rob Wright Enticed by Possible Other Move
Kansas Basketball Recruiting News: Latest Updates on Jayhawks Targets
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