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Two Kansas Jayhawks Crack Ariel Peterman's Top 10 Big 12 Players List
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- Two Kansas Jayhawks Crack Ariel Peterman's Top 10 Big 12 Players List
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Kansas men's basketball continues to receive plenty of attention heading into the 2026-27 season, and two Jayhawks are earning recognition among the conference's best players. Ariel Peterman recently released his top 10 players in the Big 12, with freshman Tyran Stokes and transfer forward Trey Kaufman-Renn representing Kansas on the list.
Stokes came in at No. 2, while Kaufman-Renn landed at No. 8. Having two players inside the conference's top 10 is another indication of the talent Bill Self has assembled as Kansas looks to compete for a Big 12 championship.
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Stokes enters Lawrence with enormous expectations after being one of the highest-rated recruits in the country. The freshman was previously named the Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year and earned a spot on the conference's preseason All-Big 12 team.
His No. 3 ranking reflects the expectations surrounding what Stokes could bring to Kansas immediately. The 6-foot-8 forward arrives with the ability to score from all three levels, handle the basketball and make plays for his teammates. During his senior season at Rainier Beach, Stokes averaged 31 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and four steals per game while leading his team to a state championship.
Stokes will have an opportunity to become one of the biggest difference-makers in the conference. His athleticism, size and versatility give Self another player who can impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Kaufman-Renn also earned a spot on Peterman's list, coming in at No. 8. The former Purdue standout brings valuable experience and an established scoring ability to the Kansas frontcourt.
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During his final season at Purdue, Kaufman-Renn averaged 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 57.8% from the field. He also recorded 11 double-doubles and helped Purdue make a run in the NCAA Tournament.
His experience playing against some of the best competition in the country should be valuable for a Kansas team with championship expectations. His ability to score around the basket, rebound and create opportunities for teammates gives Self another reliable option in the frontcourt.
The addition of Kaufman-Renn also gives Kansas more depth and flexibility inside, especially alongside Stokes and the other talented players on the roster.
According to Peterman's rankings, Arizona's Motiejus Krivas claimed the No. 3 spot, followed by BYU's Robert Wright at No. 5. Kansas was one of the programs with multiple representatives in the top 10.
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With the season approaching, having Stokes and Kaufman-Renn recognized among the conference's best players adds to the excitement surrounding Kansas basketball.
The Jayhawks will be counting on both players to make an immediate impact as they look to compete for another Big 12 title and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Jayhawks Roundtable .
Sources and additional reading: Ariel Peterman's Big 12 rankings , Kansas Athletics on Stokes , and KU Sports on Kaufman-Renn joining Kansas .
