Tyran Stokes makes it 'personal' as Kansas defeats Kentucky - ESPN

CHICAGO — Five-star recruit Tyran Stokes said his dominant performance in Kansas' 89-69 win over Kentucky on Tuesday night in the Champions Classic was «personal» for him.

Stokes, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA draft, grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and flirted with the possibility of playing for the Wildcats, even hosting an Instagram Live session on a recruiting trip to Rupp Arena, before signing with Kansas.

«I mean, I'm pretty sure everyone obviously knows. For me, it was up to Kansas and Kentucky for my last two schools,» said Stokes, who finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. «I'm from Louisville. I had a long recruiting process with Kentucky, so obviously when I chose Kansas and I knew that game was going to be here, it was personal for sure. But we got the [win], played together great as a team. That's all that matters.»

With dozens of NBA scouts and executives reportedly at the United Center, the freshman star pumped his fist after he made his first 3-point attempt and proceeded to rattle off more shots as Kentucky worked to stall the 6-foot-8 talent.

He showed his full skill set in one of the biggest moments of his career to date, while also keeping his emotions in check.

«For me, just growing up, I was a [North Carolina-Louisville] fan. A lot of my family either likes Louisville or Kentucky, but I was on the Louisville side,» Stokes said. «So, growing up, you know the tradition and the rivalry that was between Louisville and Kentucky. So being from Louisville, I still got that same emotion as if I was playing for Louisville. But I'm here in Kansas, so obviously being able to play against a school like that is just one of one and it's my first time to step on a big stage and show what