Louisville basketball has been trending for multiple guards recently, as On3 Sports' Joe Tipton reported the Cardinals are his favorite to land 5-star point guard Tay Kinney. Pat Kelsey has established this program as one of the best recruiting programs in the nation in just two years, and it is becoming clearer every day.
Louisville has been landing big-time visits from high school superstars and consensus 5-star recruits all summer long, but they still haven't earned any commitments. The Cardinals have their eyes set on a lot of talent in the 2026 cycle, however, one recruit stands out as their top target, even after the Kinney updates.
It should come as no surprise, but Kelsey's clear No. 1 target in the 2026 cycle is Louisville native, and No. 1 recruit in the 2026 class, Tyran Stokes. The 5-star phenom possesses NBA skills and is the best player in his class, and it was crystal clear on Wednesday.
Related: Louisville basketball receives crushing update on nation's No. 1 recruit Tyran Stokes
Louisville basketball’s No. 1 target in 2026 cycle is clear after historic game
Stokes is just one of four 2026 representatives on Team USA's 12-man roster for the FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup, which is taking place from June 28 to July 6 in Lausanne, Switzerland.
During his time in Switzerland, he is proving why the Cardinals must land this 5-star recruit over Kentucky and why he is the clear No. 1 target in 2026. Team USA dominated Jordan in the round of 16, allowing Stokes to play more time than usual, during which he displayed elite skills on both ends of the floor.
The No. 1 recruit in the nation finished the game with a triple-double as he scored 19 points, added 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and seven steals in Team USA's 140-67 victory. Stokes shot 81.8 percent from the field and led the game in efficiency with a 43. His points, rebounds, assists, and steals also led all players. His triple-double also made history, as he is the first American basketball player to achieve this accomplishment at a FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup.
Tyran Stokes with an impressive stat line today at FIBA U19 vs Jordan:
— NetsKingdom 👑🗽 (@NetsKingdomAJ) July 2, 2025
🔹19 PTS (9-11 FG)
🔹11 REB
🔹10 AST
🔹7 STL
At 6’7”, he’s a power wing with elite feel, court vision & defensive instincts.
pic.twitter.com/eotxGxoL0d
Stokes displayed his athleticism, court vision, and his high basketball IQ throughout the game, showcasing just how crucial it is for Kelsey to earn his commitment over Mark Pope. Louisville must do all they can to win this massive recruiting battle, because if Wednesday is any sign of what is to come, Kelsey must land this Louisville native.
Stokes is ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 class and is listed as a power forward. Louisville is just one of three schools to earn an official visit from Stokes, and currently has the best odds to land the 5-star phenom, per On3 Sports.
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For all the latest on Louisville basketball's offseason and recruiting, stay tuned.