The next development in the Tyran Stokes story may be the most bizarre to date. Stokes is the top overall recruit in the Class of 2026, as Kansas supporters are aware, and Kansas and Kentucky have been engaged in a fierce competition for a commitment.
Both teams have made every effort to secure Stokes’ pledge, but Kentucky has made what appears to be the most absurd move of them. According to Kentucky Sports Radio, Jamal Crawford, a former NBA player and assistant basketball coach at Rainer Beach High School, has received an offer from the Wildcats to become an assistant coach.
Being a player and coach at the same university, Stokes and Crawford get along well, but it seems like Kentucky’s job offer is just another ruse to lure Stokes to Lexington. On an Instagram live, Stokes even verified that Crawford received a job offer from Kentucky.
According to Jeff Goodman, there are reports that Stokes may announce his commitment on Monday, which could finally put an end to the waiting game. Fans of Kentucky and Kansas will be eagerly awaiting the news all day, but even Goodman thought it could be a bit too good to be true.
Stokes has undoubtedly taken his time with his commitment; at first, he was scheduled to pledge by the end of 2025, but as of April 2026, he may finally be prepared to make a decision. He has alternated between Kentucky and Kansas, but Oregon has occasionally pushed for his commitment as well.
Wildcat supporters believe they have Stokes in the bag because he has made several trips to both Kansas and Kentucky, the most recent of which was to Lexington. But Stokes has also benefited from everything Kansas has to offer, and NIL brand deals appear to be more of a hindrance.
Stokes’ high school career is nearing to a conclusion, and the world of collegiate basketball is waiting for him, so a decision must be made soon. Will it be in a Kansas uniform or a Kentucky uniform, though? We’ll see in time.
