Kansas head coach Bill Self has received his most encouraging offseason development yet: a commitment from Tyran Stokes, the top-ranked recruit in the 2026 class. Following a relatively quiet transfer portal period that left some Jayhawks fans disappointed, Self has refocused on recruiting to fill out his roster.
With Stokes now in the fold, Self has a clear picture of his available budget and, more importantly, the kind of talent needed to complement the star power forward. Fresh off this major recruiting victory, Self is targeting one of the best remaining shooters in the transfer portal a move that could also anger a rival.
Kansas State transfer Abdi Bashir recently held a Zoom meeting with Self and the Kansas staff, as the Jayhawks hope to secure the elite sharpshooter.
Abdi Bashir could provide the scoring punch Kansas needs alongside Tyran Stokes
It’s evident that Bill Self had a strategy in place after landing Stokes, based on the portal additions he’s pursued. Self has brought in dynamic scorers capable of shooting from outside the paint, which will create space inside for Stokes to operate.
The addition of Leroy Blyden Jr. was the first step in Self’s plan to acquire high-level shooters. Now, if Kansas can also land Bashir who averaged 13.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game for Kansas State last season it would complete Self’s set of perimeter threats.
Beyond Blyden and a potential Bashir signing, Self also has Taylen Kinney coming in, a point guard with a knack for finding the basket. Stokes will have plenty of work in the paint, but opposing teams will game-plan for him, making it essential for Kansas to have players who can score from outside as well.
Bashir has yet to announce his decision, but Kansas showed interest in him when he entered the transfer portal last season after leaving Monmouth.
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