Kentucky fans vented after report about timing of Tyran Stokes’ commitment to KU
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Tyran Stokes showed a custom NBA 2K mock cover on ESPN’s Inside the NBA.
- KSR-TV’s Jack Pilgrim reported Stokes signed the agreement around his April visit.
- Kentucky fans reacted with social posts criticizing Stokes after his KU announcement.
Tyran Stokes employed an unusual method for announcing he would play for the Kansas men’s basketball team next season.
While on ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” on Tuesday night, Stokes showed off a custom-made mock NBA 2K cover with him in a KU uniform.
Stokes made a little money when telling the world he’d be a Jayhawk.
NBA 2K said the partnership with Stokes is part of its increase “in the collegiate space, most recently seen in NBA 2K26 Season 5, which introduced 40 current college athletes and legendary alumni into the game across 16 schools, including KU, for a limited-time content experience. 2K’s foundational college basketball experience will be available in early 2027.”
Stokes likely had that NBA 2K cover for quite a while. According to a report, Stokes made up his mind about joining the Jayhawks weeks ago.
KSR-TV’s Jack Pilgrim reported “Stokes signed his non-revenue share agreement with Kansas around the time he visited Lexington in April.”
That didn’t sit well with Kentucky fans, but the Wildcat faithful will see Stokes in action early next season. That’s because KU plays Kentucky on Nov. 10 in the Champions Classic in Chicago.
One Kentucky fan shared this video of Stokes at Rupp Arena after he reportedly had decided to become a Jayhawk.
Wildcats fans were furious.
“This (guy) is a primadonna, diva,” one fan wrote on X. “He will be a cancer to Kansas, mark it down.”
Another shared this on X: “Play this on a loop in practice and in the locker room leading up to the Kansas game.”
“Embarrassing for Kentucky and (coach) Mark Pope,” a third shared.
On Reddit, a fan wrote: “(Forget) that dude. Dragging it on like that and playing us.”
“That to me shows what kind of character he has,” a fan wrote on X.
Another shared this: “Immature kid with drama queen status.”
“And he missed two or three times btw.. a few times from two on this end,” a fan wrote on X. “I feel sad for Pope. (KU’s Bill) Self and this kid they just did him terrible!!!”
Here is a bit more of what Kentucky fans were saying.
This story was originally published April 29, 2026 at 9:14 AM.
