Kansas scored a massive recruiting victory Tuesday as Tyran Stokes, the nation’s top-ranked high school player, committed to the Jayhawks over Kentucky and Oregon. The pledge gives Bill Self the No. 1 NBA prospect for the second straight year, according to 247Sports, and offers a moment of relief after an intense recruiting battle as he nears a potential final season.
Even if the end is approaching, Bill Self isn’t slowing down. By beating Mark Pope and UK twice on the recruiting trail, he secured a pair of five-star Kentucky products in Tyran Stokes and Taylen Kinney—two wins that resonate far beyond the rankings. Luring homegrown talent out of the Bluegrass State is one thing; convincing a Nike-affiliated star to join an Adidas program despite a reported lower financial offer makes it even more impressive.
With the roster beginning to resemble a national contender, there are still at least one hole to fill to truly reach that level. The Jayhawks are primarily searching for a shooting wing (emphasis on shooting). As it stands, KU's guard depth looks like this:
- Leroy Blyden Jr. (Toledo transfer) (6'1 incoming sophomore)
- Taylen Kinney (2026 No. 13 recruit) (6'2 incoming freshman)
- Kohl Rosario (key returner) (6'5 incoming sophomore)
- Trent Perry (2026 No. 94 recruit) (6'5 incoming freshman)
- Luke Barnett (2026 No. 140 recruit) (6'4 incoming freshman)
Blyden Jr. and Kinney may have a path to start together, but that backcourt would be severely undersized. That gives Kohl Rosario or a potential transfer a real opportunity to seize the two spot before the season begins.
Regardless, Kansas has a glaring need for a perimeter shooter who can space the floor and consistently light it up from beyond the arc. While most transfer portal entries have already found new homes, a few viable options remain who could fill that role.
Abdi Bashir Jr
After conducting a zoom meeting with the staff on Wednesday, the Kansas State transfer profiles as an intriguing fit for the Jayhawks. The 6-foot-7 sharpshooting guard averaged 13.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this past season while shooting 44.4% from three-point range, finishing as K-State’s second-leading scorer. His size at the guard position allows him to create his own shot and consistently generate open looks. He may not have the same usage at Kansas, but he’d be a major bench weapon with a real chance to push for starting minutes.
Vyctorius Miller
The transfer from Oklahoma State remains a key target for Bill Self. The 6-foot-5 guard from Los Angeles averaged 10.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals this past season while shooting 37.5% from three-point range. While not the purest shooter among KU’s targets, he brings significant value on the defensive end, anchored by an exceptionally high off-ball IQ. After already taking a campus visit on April 20, Miller is still weighing his options, but a decision is expected soon.
Milan Momcilovic
We now arrive at the crown jewel, widely regarded as the top remaining player available in the portal. The Iowa State transfer would be a true program-changing addition for the Jayhawks, though it would come at a premium price. This past season, the 6-foot-8 sharpshooter averaged 16.9 points and 3.1 rebounds while drilling 48.7% of his threes on elite volume for T.J. Otzelberger’s Cyclones.
The financial picture in Lawrence remains unclear, but with Bill Self likely entering his final season, Kansas’ donors could be ready to go all-in to deliver one last marquee splash. If the Jayhawks land Momcilovic, he could slot in at the two spot and instantly transform KU into one of the tallest and most terrifying teams in the country, alongside Stokes, Dawes, and a 7-footer in the starting five.
The staff will be pushing to land at least one of these players as they work to finalize next season’s roster. Even if they secure one of the three, there is still technically room for another addition at the forward spot. As of now, KU’s forward depth looks like this:
- Tyran Stokes (2026 No. 1 recruit) (6'7 incoming freshman)
- Keanu Dawes (Utah transfer) (6'9 incoming senior)
- Davion Adkins (2026 No. 70 recruit) (6’9 incoming freshman)
With the portal options drying up, Bill Self could pivot to the international market to find that final rotational piece. Expect more clarity on that front in the near future.
At the center position, the top-end talent isn’t overwhelming, but the depth is solid:
- Christian Reeves (Charleston transfer) (7'2 incoming senior)
- Paul Mbiya (key returner) (7'0 incoming sophomore)
It is highly unlikely that KU pursues another addition at this spot, though it isn’t entirely off the table. With two serviceable options expected to split minutes in the frontcourt, the Jayhawks will likely prioritize adding another wing and/or forward over another big.
After some early concerns about the staff’s urgency, the 2026–27 roster is finally coming together and may be just one piece away from another premier preseason ranking.
Who will be the next player to join Bill Self on his potential farewell tour?
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