Tyran Stokes Drops 63 on Senior Night, Keeps Kansas in the Mix Despite Nike NIL Deal
Tyran Stokes didn’t just show up on senior night-he lit the place on fire. The Rainier Beach (Wash.) phenom erupted for a school-record 63 points against West Seattle, delivering the kind of performance that reminds everyone why he’s the No. 1 high school basketball recruit in the class of 2026.
It was a statement game, no doubt. But it wasn’t just about the points-it was how he did it.
Stokes showcased the full arsenal: deep threes, explosive drives, midrange pull-ups, and a relentless motor that never let up. It was the kind of night that cements a legacy at the high school level and sends a loud message to every college coach still in the hunt.
And yes, Kansas is still very much in that hunt.
Despite recently inking an NIL deal with Nike, Stokes made it clear that his college decision won’t be dictated by brand affiliations. That’s especially notable because Kansas is an Adidas-sponsored school. But according to Stokes, that’s not a deal-breaker.
He pointed to recent examples-like Cooper Flagg suiting up for Nike-backed Duke while signed with New Balance-as proof that today’s top recruits are navigating NIL waters with more flexibility than ever before. Translation: Kansas fans, keep your hopes up.
Stokes recently made a visit to Lawrence, attending the Jayhawks’ game against BYU. The timing couldn’t have been better.
That night marked Kansas’ 1,000th men’s game at Allen Fieldhouse, and the atmosphere was electric. ESPN’s College GameDay was in town, the building was rocking, and the Jayhawks delivered on the court-exactly the kind of environment coaches love to showcase to top-tier recruits.
But Stokes wasn’t the only future-focused guest in the building.
Kansas also hosted two of its future stars: Taylen Kinney, a 2026 guard out of Atlanta who’s already committed, and Javon Bardwell, a 2027 small forward from Overtime Elite. Both got a front-row seat to Big 12 basketball at its loudest and most intense.
For Stokes, the visit offered more than just a glimpse of what it’s like to play in one of the sport’s most iconic venues. It gave him a firsthand look at what it means to wear Kansas across your chest, to be part of a tradition that runs deep, and to compete in a conference that doesn’t take nights off.
As for where things stand, Stokes has narrowed his list to five schools: Kansas, Oregon, Vanderbilt, Washington, and Kentucky. It’s a mix of Nike and Adidas programs, which only reinforces his message-his decision will come down to fit, not footwear.
And after dropping 63 points in a single game, it’s clear that wherever he lands, Tyran Stokes is going to make an impact from day one. The only question now is which fanbase gets to call him theirs.