Now that the dust has settled, and Tyran Stokes is a Kansas Jayhawk, fans can rightly start to dream about what the nation’s No. 1 player will bring to KU next season.
The 2025-26 roster is still one in need of work as the Jayhawks are still a freshman-laden team with only three players having played in the Big 12 before (Keanu Dawes, Kohl Rosario and Paul Mbiya).
But with Stokes to build around, the floor has been significantly raised, as the five-star’s tape shows an elite ability to attack the rim, strong playmaking skills and stubborn defense that will trip up several of Kansas’ opponents.
Stokes reveals former Big 12 star as favorite player
Prior to committing to the Jayhawks on ESPN’s “NBA Tip-Off,” Stokes was asked by Shaquille O’Neal who Stokes idolized as a player.
“My favorite player growing up was KD [Kevin Durant] all the time. You can ask my mom, I love KD.
Durant averaged 25.8 points per game in his one year with the Texas Longhorns. Durant also notched 11.1 rebounds, 1. 9 blocks, 1.3 assists on a strong 47.3% field goal rate, as Texas fell in the round of 32 to the USC Trojans in that year’s NCAA Tournament.
“So I used to always want a tween-twen, hesi-pull. You know, that was just the favorite move that, me and my friends always tried to do. So I'd just say KD,” finished Stokes.
How can Stokes increase Kansas’ offensive production?
Last season, Kansas posted just 75.1 points per game, good enough for No. 161st in the nation. As the season wore on and Bill Self was finally able to incorporate the likes of a healthy Darryn Peterson, the Jayhawks found themselves stalling between a fast-paced offense that thrived in the break, and a more traditional half-court set that often fell flat.
Bringing in Stokes adds both a player whose passing range can push the pace, while also bringing what ESPN recruiting director Paul Biancardi calls a “point forward” role to the small forward position.
What's next for Kansas?
Now the Jayhawks must continue to stockpile talent around Stokes that will keep defenses from swarming him, something that happened on numerous occasions towards the end of last season against Peterson. As of publishing, KU has reeled in the 32nd-best transfer class according to 247Sports, with Dawes, guard Leroy Blyden Jr. and center Christian Reeves set to join the program.
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