Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

No. 1 College Basketball Prospect Sends Three-Word Message Amid Commitment Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Beren | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 4:34 PM ET

Tyran Stokes is keeping his cards close to his chest.

Stokes is the nation's No. 1 men's basketball recruit in the class of 2026. The 6-foot-7 wing is being tracked by some of the country's strongest college teams — but to date, his recruitment remains open, and blue-blood programs continue to jostle for his signature.

Stokes recently visited Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats. In April, he visited Bill Self at the Kansas Jayhawks; last fall, he paid an official visit to Kentucky's in-state rival, the Louisville Cardinals.

Joe Tipton of On3 wrote Thursday that he could envision John Calipari and the Arkansas Razorbacks making a run at Stokes, while the BYU Cougars — home to 2025 top recruit AJ Dybantsa — also have been linked, albeit tenuously.

For now, Stokes seems to be reveling in the uncertainty swirling around his future.

As he continues to mull his options, Stokes on Thursday took to X and wrote "y'all funny, bro" in response to the speculation about his NCAA destination.

Yall funny bro
— tyran stokes (@tyran_stokes) June 19, 2025

In his report, Tipton lodged a soft prediction that Stokes will eventually decide between Kentucky and Louisville — largely due to the player's ties to the state. Though he plays for Notre Dame High School in California, Stokes was born in Louisville.

Entering his second year in one of college basketball's most demanding jobs, Pope is under pressure to deliver wa stellar 2026 class, and the major prize is Stokes — a wing with elite athleticism and strong two-way potential.

pic.twitter.com/DHSAo1UDxB
— TheMirageEffect (@MirageEffect) June 19, 2025

Meanwhile, 75 miles up the road from Pope in Lexington, Pat Kelsey is trying to rebuild the Louisville Cardinals into an NCAA powerhouse. After a strong first season ended with an early NCAA Tournament exit, Kelsey too is under pressure to bring Stokes home to continue Louisville's positive trajectory.

Only time will tell as to what Stokes decides. But right now, the high school junior is enjoying the rumors.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: