The Kansas Jayhawks played the Arizona Wildcats today without Darryn Peterson. The 19-year-old has only played 13 of the 23 games in this season so far. He has dealing with several injuries that have kept him away from games.
Even when he has been available, Peterson hasn’t been able to stay on the court for long. He has played 25 minutes or less in five games. His recent stretch, however, was starting to look better.
He played nine of the last 10 Jayhawks games. Before the game against Arizona tipped off, ESPN reported that Peterson would not be available for the game. The reason provided by a team spokesperson was that he was ill.
“Darryn [Peterson] won’t play tonight,” a Kansas spokesperson told ESPN before the game,” ESPN reported. “He has flu-like symptoms. He went out with the team for warmups but can’t go.”
That would’ve been an acceptable reason for Peterson to sit out. However, Barstool Arizona claims to have the real inside scoop. Before we get into it, it’s worth noting that it’s just a claim that hasn’t been proved yet. Despite that, it has garnered nearly 2 million views on X.
“So hes sick and he didn’t tell anyone in practice and Bill said don’t half a** it if your gonna play, if not sit. DP said F*ck It, I’m out,” Barstool Arizona posted with a video.
Even if it is a real conversation, a player deciding to sit out because he didn’t feel 100% ready is not controversial. Some fans echoed the same sentiment over this unverified claim.
“I kinda respect it. If you’re sick and not 100%, sitting is better than hurting the team or yourself,” a fan wrote.
Some fans claimed that by not facing an opponent like Arizona, Peterson was trying to protect his draft stock.
“I’m sick of dude. Trying to preserve his draft stock at all cost. He’s always sitting against the tough competition. Just selfish,” a fan wrote.
The Jayhawks won the game 82-78.
Darryn Peterson is Expected to Be Number 1 Draft Pick
There’s no denying that Peterson is going to be a top draft pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. He is being widely considered to be the number 1 draft pick. His biggest competition for the top spot is AJ Dybantsa.
Earlier this month, Pete Thamel reported that ESPN polled 20 NBA scouts and they picked Peterson over Dybantsa as the number 1 pick.
“It’s Darryn Peterson for me,” a veteran scout told ESPN. “He makes things look so effortless, it’s unbelievable. His shotmaking is unmatched. He’s the closest thing to Kobe Bryant I’ve seen since Kobe in terms of shotmaking and ability to create his own shot. He’s not the same athlete as Kobe, but no one is. He’s really special.”
A lot of scouts still see this as a toss-up between the two.
Read More:
What Did Hubert Davis Say About Seth Trimble’s Display vs Duke? UNC Win Receives Glowing Recognition
WATCH: Richard Pitino’s Temper Tantrum Goes Viral in Defeat to Dad Rick Pitino’s St. John’s
Charles Bediako Eligibility Update: NCAA Make Major Decision to Affect Alabama Star’s College Career
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
