Kansas is losing its leading scorer yet again this season as Darryn Peterson is undoubtedly going to the NBA, even if an official announcement has yet to come out. The Jayhawks will now be looking for their consistent scorer next season, especially with Melvin Council Jr. also likely not getting another year of eligibility.
Peterson, at least when he was available and on the court, was the guy who could score in the blink of an eye. Tyran Stokes perfectly fits that bill, but he can do something that Peterson lacked, and that is move the ball around, creating shots for teammates.
While Peterson was a fantastic scorer, he didn't always move the ball very well, and Stokes has proven he can see the open man and get the ball to them in a pinch. Stokes also has the size to match up with anyone on the board, getting rebounds and either finishing at the basket or kicking it out for a big open shot.
Bill Self's return to Kansas might have just sealed the deal for Tyran Stokes
It has been a long battle between Kansas and Kentucky for 2026 No. 1 overall prospect Tyran Stokes. After delaying his commitment date months ago, the star athlete could be nearing a decision.
Stokes was high up on the Wildcats to begin, but Kansas was making a roaring comeback to enter the sweepstakes for his commitment. With the uncertainty of Bill Self staying in Lawrence, though, it seemed other schools like Gonzaga and Washington. Even with the emergence of those teams, one announcement could have just sealed the deal for Stokes, and it will make Jayhawks fans very happy.
On Wednesday, April Fool's Day, to be specific, some were wondering if the news was even real, but this is something Kansas will never joke about. Legendary head coach Bill Self announced he would return to Lawrence for the next season.
Stokes clearly saw the post as right after the news dropped, he posted on social media what some would say is a cryptic message, but Kansas fans are choosing to take it as a good sign.
😯
— tyran stokes (@tyran_stokes) April 1, 2026
The whole country is waiting to see who Stokes will choose for his commitment, and now that other decision made, his could come sooner than later.