Time and time again, Tyran Stokes has helped Rainier Beach out of jams. At the Hoophall Classic, he was on it, again. Stokes, the No. 1 senior prospect in the country, poured in 37 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, five steals, and three blocks. Naturally, his college preference was in focus over the weekend with top programs like Kentucky and Kansas vying for him. Stokes revealed what Bill Self said to nudge him towards the Jayhawks.
Initially, Kansas was behind in the picture when Stokes announced his shortlist. It was down to Kentucky, Oregon, and Kansas, but he was pegged to join the Wildcats. Every prediction and recruiting decision pointed towards Stokes playing for Mark Pope next season. But then time passed, and the announcement did not come. The mood changed, and now, Kansas is looking like the front-runners for the No.1 recruit.
Talking about his relationship with the Kansas Jayhawks, Stokes revealed Bill Self’s encouraging words from years ago. “I mean, since I’ve started high school basketball, Coach Self has always told me that I’m the No. 1 player in the world,” Stokes told247Sports. There is a reason why Self and many others have the same opinion…