Kentucky basketball’s pursuit of Tyran Stokes — the consensus No. 1 player in the 2026 class — just got an unexpected boost from one of its own. And this time, the assist came from a former Wildcat who knows exactly what it’s like to face the heat of Big Blue Nation. Let’s dive in and see how a player once criticized in Lexington just turned into one of Mark Pope’s biggest allies.
Kentucky basketball’s pursuit of Tyran Stokes, the consensus No. 1 player in the 2026 class, got a significant boost from an unexpected, yet powerful, source this week. After Stokes announced his final three of Kentucky, Kansas, and Oregon, a current 76er and former Wildcat chimed in to show his support for BBN.
That player was Justin Edwards.
Justin Edwards Shows Love for Kentucky During Tyran Stokes Recruitment
When news broke that Kentucky had made the final cut, Edwards quickly hit Instagram, posting a “side eye” emoji and a “blue heart” emoji on the announcement — a clear sign of where his heart still lies. That subtle move spoke volumes, maybe even louder than a five-star endorsement ever could.
Let’s be real: Edwards’ one year at Kentucky didn’t go as planned. He entered as a top-3 recruit and potential lottery pick but struggled under heavy expectations and fan criticism. He went undrafted and later opened up about the mental and emotional toll that season took on him.
But here he is — just two years later — publicly cheering on the next No. 1 recruit to come to Lexington. Despite everything, he’s showing love for the program and the fans who once doubted him.
It’s a powerful example of loyalty. Edwards could have stayed silent or distanced himself. Instead, he chose to remind everyone that once you wear Kentucky blue, you’re part of something bigger — something that lasts.
A Message That Goes Beyond the Court
For Mark Pope, moments like this matter. When a player who endured the toughest side of BBN still proudly reps the program, that sends a message recruits can’t ignore. It tells players like Tyran Stokes that Kentucky isn’t just a stop on the way to the league — it’s a family that stays with you forever.
Pope still has to close the deal on Stokes, but with former Cats like Justin Edwards publicly backing the program, Kentucky’s pitch just got a whole lot stronger.
