There was once a time when it seemed like Tyran Stokes would be wearing a Kentucky jersey instead of a Kansas jersey in the teams' matchup in the Champions Classic on Tuesday. Instead, Bill Self made Stokes a priority recruit for the Jayhawks, and it is already paying off, especially in the Jayhawks overwhelming 89-69 win over the Wildcats.
Stokes had his best game of the young season for Kansas with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, with a steal and a block. The freshman was behind only Tre White in points, who led the team with 30, but Stokes found himself leading in rebounds, showing his strength on the board.
After checking out for the final time, Stokes didn't hide his thoughts on the team that was once part of his final two when deciding his commitment, and even issued the Wildcats a warning if the two meet in March.
"Kentucky? Who is that?" Stokes said from the bench. "And if we see 'em in March...40."
Tyran Stokes after hammering Kentucky in the Champions Classic:
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) November 11, 2026
"Kentucky? Who is that?? And if we see 'em in March?... 40" 👀 pic.twitter.com/Ks3Wvhx4Uy
Stokes was implying that he plans to have an even better game if the two meet in the NCAA Tournament, planning to drop at least 40 points on the team that once looked like the one that would win his recruitment. There doesn't seem to be a lot of love lost between Stokes and Kentucky.
Tyran Stokes may be from Kentucky, but there was never a lot of love for the Wildcats
Early in 2026, when Stokes was still deep in his recruitment, it looked like Kentucky was the team to beat for his commitment. However, Self did what he does best and made Stokes an offer he couldn't refuse, and so far it seems to be working out pretty well for both sides.
As a Kentucky native, it made sense that Stokes would consider the Wildcats, but after the win on Tuesday, he shared that while he was a native to the state, he was actually a fan of the in-state rival, Louisville, growing up.
Tyran Stokes says beating Kentucky was personal. Why? Even though he had UK as a finalist, he says he grew up a Louisville fan, feeling how UL fans do about Kentucky. "I kinda still got that same emotion, as if I was playing for Louisville." Well then.
— Kyle Tucker (@KyleTuckerCBB) November 11, 2026
That Kentucky and Louisville rivalry is strong, so it makes sense that Stokes showed a lot of emotion in the win over the Wildcats. Even though he had Kentucky as a finalist for his recruitment, Stokes clearly still doesn't have much love for the Wildcats, and it showed Tuesday night.
Stokes said after the game that once he committed ot the Jayhawks, both he and fellow freshman Taylen Kinney, who is also a Kentucky native, both talked about how much this game would mean, especially so early in the season. Both guys showed out, with Kinney adding only four points, but a stellar eight assists, three rebounds, and two steals for the Jayhawks.
Kansas has officially played its best opponent this season just three games in, and it was by far the Jayhawks best performance. Even without Melvin Council Jr., who is expected to miss the rest of non-conference play with a foot injury, Kansas took down a Top 25 opponent with ease, making them look like a scary team early on.
The Jayhawks have a few days off after playing three games in seven days, set to be back in action on Tuesday, November 17, in Allen Fieldhouse vs. UNLV at 8:30 p.m. CT.
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