Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson has missed several games in recent weeks, and his status remains a major concern heading into the matchup against Princeton. Peterson has been dealing with a hamstring issue that first surfaced during the preseason.
The discomfort carried into early November and eventually forced him out of action during warmups before the game against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The team held him out again as the soreness lingered, and the staff has remained cautious with his recovery.
The injury has been described as tightness and soreness rather than a major strain. Even so, Kansas has chosen not to take unnecessary risks with one of its most important young players.
The program’s medical staff has monitored his movements closely, and the guard has not yet reached the level of comfort required to return to full-speed competition. That is why he remained sidelined last week and continues to be evaluated day to day.
As the Princeton game approaches, Peterson is set to sit out. The team wants him fully healthy before reintroducing him to the rotation. His hamstring still needs time to loosen up, and the coaching staff is unwilling to rush him back into high-intensity play.
“He will not play tomorrow,” Bill Self SAID about Peterson. “He is still sore, and for whatever reason, it’s still sore. Trying to figure it out, but we don’t think it’s a long-term deal at all. But, as long as it’s still this sore, he says, and limits him at all, there’s no reason to put him out there yet. So, that’s where we’re at.”
Kansas understands how important he will be during conference play and beyond, so the priority is long-term stability rather than short-term availability. Peterson has already missed an exhibition game and two regular-season matchups.
This run of absences has limited his rhythm, but it has not changed the program’s belief in his role or upside. Kansas hopes the extra rest allows him to reset physically and avoid recurring setbacks. If his recovery progresses without complications, he should be able to rejoin the team soon.
For now, he remains out against Princeton, with updates to follow later in the week.
Darryn Peterson Has Shown Promising Signs
Even with the recent injury concerns, Peterson has already delivered impressive flashes in his young Kansas career. The freshman guard has averaged 21.5 points per game in the appearances he has made.
He has scored efficiently, shooting 60% from the field, attacked confidently, and adapted quickly to the college pace. His smooth handle and strong scoring instincts have made him one of the most exciting young players on the roster.
Peterson opened the season with a strong outing against Green Bay, where he delivered a 21-point performance, shooting over 63% from the field. He followed that performance with another efficient scoring showing against North Carolina, proving that he can produce against top competition.
The early numbers reflect a guard with real long-term potential. His scoring rate, efficiency, and poise suggest he can become one of the primary offensive engines for the Jayhawks as the season progresses.
Read More:
‘Gonna Be Amazing’ – Fans Hype 5-Star Recruit Darryn Peterson as Next Damian Lillard
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