Kansas Men’s Basketball coach Bill Self once had the highest regard for Darryn Peterson. He even called Peterson the best player that he has ever recruited to the program. Peterson is currently projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and every time he steps on the floor, he seems like the most talented player. However, Peterson hasn’t been consistent with his minutes on the floor for Kansas at all in his freshman season so far.
Peterson missed nearly a month of action early in the season right after playing two games to start his college freshman season. He has suffered from a number of injuries like cramps and issues with his ankles, hamstring & quad muscles during this time. Recently, he also missed a game against Arizona due to illness.
In Kansas’ recent win over Oklahoma State, Peterson played for 18 minutes, scoring 23 points from 7/12 field goals. However, a moment that surprised many was how Peterson turned to coach Self and seemed like asking to be taken out with nearly the entire second half remaining.
He did not appear for the next half and coach Bill Self was seemingly disappointed with this incident. In the post-game presser, he said,
“We’ve had this happen more than a couple of times… I didn’t anticipate that tonight at all. I thought he was good to go. We only got 18 minutes out of him. That’s disappointing, because he could’ve had a really big night.”
Despite not having Peterson often on the roster, Kansas is still performing at an elite level. The Jayhawks are currently 8-2 without Peterson this year, earning major wins over Tennessee and Arizona. However, as the post-season approaches, it’s a matter of concern if Bill Self will put up any further with such antics from Peterson.
Stephen A. Smith Delivers Brutal Rant On Darryn Peterson
Darryn Peterson’s constant absence from the floor is now being noticed by NBA scouts and media analysts. The projected No. 1 pick drew Stephen A. Smith’s notice, who brutally stated on First Take that Peterson “cannot be trusted.” In seven of his 15 appearances, Peterson played fewer than 25 minutes of basketball. On Thursday’s episode, Smith said,
“There is no team in hell that should grab Darryn Peterson No. 1. You cannot do it. The first ability is availability…This guy is a sensational player. Talent-wise, I understand why everybody’s looking at Darryn Peterson and saying that brother is something special. He could be [the No. 1 pick]. This is business. I can’t trust him. I cannot. I’m looking at him on the camera. You cannot be trusted.”
Despite Peterson leaving the game against Oklahoma State early on Wednesday, the Jayhawks pulled off a lopsided 81-69 win. If Peterson’s antics are drawing in concerns even from NBA media, would his draft stock be affected? Only time will tell.
Read More:
Why Is Darryn Peterson Not Playing? Breaking Down Kansas Freshman’s Absence
Who Are Cameron Boozer’s Parents? Inside the Family Behind the 5-Star Forward
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
