Kansas' Tyran Stokes commitment brings outrageous LeBron James, Magic Johnson comparison

Apr 30, 2026 - 02:00

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Kansas' Tyran Stokes commitment brings outrageous LeBron James, Magic Johnson comparison originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Tyran Stokes has some big shoes to fill.

Less than 24 hours after the nation's No. 1 college basketball recruit committed to the Kansas Jayhawks over the Kentucky Wildcats, he received two big-time NBA comparisons. This might be the first superstar hybrid projection for a high school star.

After shining every step along the way, Stokes finally announced he would be heading to Lawrence next year on the set of ESPN's Inside the NBA on Tuesday night. One of his closest evaluators wants the nation to prepare themselves for what's about to happen in Kansas.

“I think what we are going to see with him ... people always wondered what LeBron (James) was going to be if he would have gone to Ohio State (instead of NBA right out of high school). I think people are going to see that,” Stokes' coach Mike Bethea told The Kansas City Star. “Because physically and everything, believe it or not he (Stokes) is 10, 15 pounds heavier than LeBron (at same age).

Bethea didn't stop there. One aspect of Stokes' game was compared to another NBA legend.

“I mean, he’s a version of LeBron, but I still like to refer to him as ‘Magic Johnson with a jump shot.’”

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At 6-foot-7 and 225 pounds, Stokes is a natural fit at the wing, averaging 31 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and four steals last season. He'll fit perfectly within Bill Self's system. One of the biggest attributes of the blue-chip talent is his versatility.

Stokes has bounced around during his high school career. He started his hoops career at Prolific Prep before winning a Washington state title this past season at Rainier Beach in Seattle. Now he'll be a force in the Big 12 as the face of the next freshman class.