“In June, I wrote about [Tyran] Stokes' No. 1 candidacy as the top individual talent in this class, but also a complicated evaluation who is already polarizing for NBA executives. There will be teams eager to take a swing on his talent, and others who will view him as a risky bet to lead their franchise,” opens Jeremy Woo in his latest ESPN article titled “NBA draft: Early players to watch from the 2027, 2028 classes.”
Unfortunately for Kansas fans, this doesn’t sound too unfamiliar to what writers were saying about former guard Darryn Peterson last season, however, Peterson’s biggest issues were towards his health rather than anything else.
“Much will depend on what type of year he has at Kansas, leading a supporting cast that doesn't look particularly strong at this stage.”
The Jayhawks have patched together a relatively strong squad via the NCAA Transfer Portal, however, according to 247Sports, the Jayhawks are listed as having the country’s 32nd-best transfer portal. Joining KU via the portal will be small forward Dennis Parker Jr. center Christian Reeves, guard Leroy Blyden Jr. and power forward Keanu Dawes.
“At Nike Academy, he wasn't as individually dominant over two days of scrimmages as he was at the same event one year ago. However, he was noticeably focused on distributing the ball, showcasing his ability to handle and make reads at a powerfully built 6-8, and his strong feel for the game. Stokes has the potential to grow into a supersized shot creator with innate versatility on both ends, an uncommon archetype that has put him atop my early projections,” continued Woo.
Stokes is a do-it-all player
Plenty have raved over Stokes’ ability to not be one-dimensional on the offensive end. Last season, Kansas finished with 13.9 assists per game, good enough for 150th in the nation. Those who watched KU often saw an offense that felt like the ball was glued to one person’s hands.
“If Stokes can consistently dial in on the right things at Kansas, display maturity and drive winning, he's capable of separating himself with his ability to impact both ends and long-term upside. But scouts also know he can be inconsistent with shooting, turnovers, defensive engagement and on-court mood swings. There's a lot at stake for Stokes this season, and he will be under the microscope at all turns,” finishes Woo.
This is nothing new for the Jayhawks and nothing new for Stokes. As long as Kansas remains a blue blood (which is at no risk of falling out), then there will be continued pressure on the team and the team’s supposed best player.
What would be a good season for Stokes and the Jayhawks?
A certified No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft isn’t too far away from Stokes this season, his potential, which he has already shown at such a young age, warrants attention.
For both Stokes and the Jayhawks, the most important thing is for the forward to stay consistent. While KU has rebuilt strongly through the portal, the focal point will always be Stokes and nothing will change that until he enters the association. If Stokes can remain healthy through what will be a loaded schedule, then the Jayhawks are setting themselves up for a good run come March.
More Kansas Basketball News
Add us as a preferred source on Google