The buzz around Nike EYBL Session 3 reached a fever pitch as Tyran Stokes, the nation’s No. 1-ranked high school basketball prospect, led the Oakland Soldiers into a much-anticipated showdown against Jet Academy—coached by NBA legend Kenny Smith.
With scouts and fans glued to every possession, Stokes wasted no time making his presence felt, but the full story of his dominance is just beginning to unfold.
Tyran Stokes Delivers Statement Performance
Stokes’ return to the AAU circuit has been nothing short of electric. The 6’7″ forward, already a household name among recruiting insiders, set the tone for the Oakland Soldiers in their opening game against Jet Academy, as highlighted in a viral tweet by SLAM HS.
#1 ranked Tyran Stokes just led the Oakland Soldiers to a win over Jet Academy to kick off EYBL Session 3:
🔥 28 PTS
🔥 6 REB
🔥 3 AST
🔥 3 STL
🔥 2 BLK@tyran_stokes @NikeEYB @Soldiers_Salute pic.twitter.com/hQpNGP7tuq— SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM_HS) May 24, 2025
Stokes poured in 28 points, grabbed six rebounds, and added three assists, three steals, and two blocks—showcasing his all-around game and relentless motor. The performance was a clear message to the competition: the nation’s top prospect is not just living up to the hype; he’s raising the bar.
Stokes’ fearless approach has become a hallmark of his game.
“I’m here to show that I ain’t here to duck no smoke; I’m here for the smoke; I’m going towards the smoke. I play EYBL for the dogfights, the hard games, the adversity, the challenges,” Stokes said in a recent Nike EYBL feature.
“So when I step on that court, somebody’s coming at me; it brings that dog out, and it makes me go hard. Soldiers, we are a family; we might lose the battle, but we are never going to lose the war.”
That mentality was on full display as he powered the Soldiers past Smith’s squad.
The social media response has been swift and enthusiastic. Fans and analysts alike marveled at Stokes’ dominance.
“Tyran Stokes looked UNSTOPPABLE in his return to AAU this weekend at Session 2 of @nikeeyb,” one person noted.
Stokes is not only retaining the No. 1 spot, but he is also redefining what it means to be a top prospect.
Stokes’ Star Power and Recruiting Momentum
Stokes’ impact extends well beyond the box score. His rare blend of size, skill, and leadership has drawn praise from coaches and recruiting analysts nationwide.
“He plays with force, he plays with finesse,” ESPN’s Paul Biancardi stated. “What people don’t know about Tyran Stokes is that he’s 6’7”, he looks like a defensive end, and he can pass the ball at a high level.
“In any game he plays right now, he can absolutely be the best player in every game, and his upside is enormous in the class, maybe the best right now, maybe.”
KEEP READING: 5-Star Tyran Stokes Keeps His Options Open as Decision Looms
Stokes’ journey has been marked by steady improvement and adaptability. After a standout season at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, he returned to AAU play in top shape, drawing comparisons to NBA stars and fueling speculation about his future.
“If he gets a consistent jump shot, it’s over. The only thing he’s still weak at. His IQ and handle has improved a lot. He can get to spots and finish in ways he wasn’t able to before,” one fan commented, capturing the excitement surrounding his development.
With college coaches from blue-blood programs like Kansas, Kentucky, and Louisville tracking his every move, Stokes is poised to be the most sought-after recruit in the country. His performances on the EYBL circuit are not just wins for the Oakland Soldiers—they’re auditions for the next level, and Stokes is acing every test.
At the end of the day, Stokes’ impressive start in EYBL Session 3 has only made high school basketball’s best prospect even more noticed. Because the summer circuit is at its most challenging, attention will stay on Stokes as he keeps dominating and helping to build a stronger future for the sport.
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