It may seem silly to start thinking about Tyran Stokes replacements at Kansas, especially when the Jayhawks just landed his commitment less than two months ago. However, in college basketball, one-and-done seasons are becoming more and more common amongst freshman classes. Just look at the 2026 NBA Draft class.
So, while fans and the coaching staff should absolutely enjoy having Stokes right now, the recruiting game is cutthroat, and Bill Self will need to start thinking about the future now. Granted, Self still has some work to do in order to finish his 2026-2027 roster, but looking ahead to future recruiting classes is crucial.
Kansas already has its sights set on one 2028 prospect, four-star point guard Kaharri Coleman, who has deemed himself the best player in the Class of 2028. That is a lot coming from someone only heading into their junior season, but Coleman may not be too far off.
Explosive 6’4 '28 point guard Kaharri Coleman of West Charlotte HS believes people are sleeping on his jumpshot, but also believes that he’s the best junior in NC because no one can guard him.
— Rodger Bohn (@rodgerbohn) June 4, 2026
More on Kaharri from @StellarHoops on @Ballislifehttps://t.co/MGOWiQ9oHM pic.twitter.com/XNIaIHOfRj
Kaharri Coleman could be the electric player that keeps Bill Self around Kansas after Tyran Stokes
Self nearly retired after this last season, but that was more due to medical reasons than simply being done with the game. While he didn't say Tyran Stokes was the reason he came back, Self did acknowledge his excitement in getting to coach the No. 1 2026 prospect.
The same could reign true for Coleman, who is only a four-star prospect right now, but could easily see that rating rise. The Charlotte native is currently the No. 43 player in the Class of 2028, but ranked the fifth overall point guard nationally according to 247Sports Composite.
Coleman is an electric shooter who can finish with incredible ease at the rim. He can also get the ball to his teammates, knowing the defense will collapse. His outside shooting is also at an elite level, and even better, he can quickly transition back on defense. Coleman is the all-around player that Self loves to have, as he usually has at least one on his team every season.
With the possibility of Stokes going one-and-done after his freshman year being incredibly high, Coleman could be the replacement Self needs. Now, he wouldn't come for at least another season after Stokes would be heading to the NBA, but another player that could step up in that time, if he doesn't head to the NBA as well, is Taylen Kinney.
The way Self went after Stokes might need to be how he pursues Coleman, who is already being looked at by other major programs like LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas.
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