Tyran Stokes Named to Julius Erving Award Watch List

The University of Kansas freshman joins the preseason list of twenty candidates for the top small forward award.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball

Tyran Stokes Named to Julius Erving Award Watch List

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University of Kansas freshman Tyran Stokes has been named to the watch list for the 2026 Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year award. The honor follows an impressive preseason where Stokes averaged 18.7 points and 7.0 rebounds across three exhibition games.

Why it matters

The Julius Erving Award recognizes the nation's premier small forward, highlighting players expected to make significant impacts during the college basketball season. Inclusion on the preseason watch list validates Stokes' status as a top newcomer following his successful high school career.

Stokes averaged 18.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in exhibition play and scored 27 points against Duke on October 25. He joins a field of 20 players currently under consideration for the honor.

The players

Tyran Stokes

He is a freshman at the University of Kansas who was recently named the Preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year.

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

This organization oversees the selection committee for the Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year award.

Julius Erving

He is an NBA legend and Basketball Hall of Famer for whom the annual small forward award is named.

The details

Selected by a committee of coaches, media, and Hall of Famers, Stokes earned the recognition after previously being named the Preseason Big 12 Freshman of the Year. The 2026 McDonald's All-American previously led Rainier Beach to a Washington 3A state title.

October 25, 2026: Stokes scored 27 points against Duke.
October 29, 2026: Stokes was named to the Julius Erving watch list.
October 30, 2026: Fan voting for the award officially opens.
November 2, 2026: Kansas plays its season opener against Fordham.
February 2027: The watch list will be narrowed to 10 players.

Season Trajectory

The recognition places Stokes at the center of the college basketball season's national narrative and individual award races. His performance in upcoming games will determine if he remains a finalist as the selection committee reduces the candidate list in February and March.

Fans can participate in the selection process by casting votes starting October 30. Stokes' ability to maintain his current scoring pace will be critical for Kansas as they head into the season opener against Fordham on November 2.

The takeaway

Following a standout preseason, Stokes is positioned as a primary focal point for Kansas basketball. Fans should track his development during early-season matchups to see if his exhibition scoring averages translate to regular-season success.