Darryn Peterson’s absence is becoming very concerning and confusing. The Kansas Jayhawks’ star freshman is expected to be a top NBA prospect, likely going to be among the top two picks in the upcoming NBA Draft.
There’s a lot that depends on the ongoing season with the Jayhawks, but Peterson is shockingly absent most of the time. He has just played 15 games in this season and is averaging only 26.9 minutes per game.
Even when he laces up for the team, Peterson finds a way to exit the game before the final buzzer goes off. He did the same thing against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The Jayhawks won the game 81-69.
Peterson dropped 20 points in the first half, setting his team up for smooth sailing in the second half. Then he came back to hit a three-pointer in the second half and decided to take himself out for the rest of the game.
As per Jeff Goodman, this is hurting his case more than he understands. Many believe that he’s trying to protect his draft stock, but Goodman doesn’t agree.
“Here’s what makes this Darryn Peterson situation even worse. Peterson and his camp have offered no real explanation on what’s going on all season. It’s called terrible PR. Just come out and explain the situation because obviously Bill Self has been and still is trying to protect the kid,” he wrote.
Peterson exited the Cowboys game due to cramping issues. Goodman believes that he might be facing some physical challenges, but he seems to be instructed to tap out the minute he feels anything.
“I think it’s probably as much a mental issue than a physical one at this point,” Goodman wrote.
As for protecting his draft stock, Goodman believes that if that was the priority for Peterson and the Jayhawks, they should’ve simply shut him down a month ago.
Bill Self on Darryn Peterson’s Cramping Issues
Peterson is competing against AJ Dybantsa for the top draft pick position. The reputation he develops in the current stretch of the college basketball season could go a long way for him. But Peterson seems to have a different approach.
He’s constantly staying out of games due to various issues, and cramping has become the most recurring one. After the Cowboys game, head coach Bill Self spoke on Peterson’s cramping issues.
“It’s a concern,” Self said. “I thought we were past it, but obviously we’re not. It’s certainly a concern.”
Self said that he’d like to have a completely healthy team at this point, but since it’s out of his control, he’s trying to make good progress with what he’s left with.
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