The Kansas Jayhawks’ 2025-2026 season came to a painful end against the St John’s Red Storm, falling 67-65 on a buzzer-beating layup in the second round of the 2026 NCAA March Madness. It was a heartbreaking finish, but even in defeat, Darryn Peterson had the spotlight on him.
Right after the loss, fans quickly shifted their focus to what comes next for the freshman star. While many praised his season, Mavericks fans in particular started imagining what it would look like if Peterson landed in Dallas in the 2026 NBA draft. The idea of him teaming up with Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg has already left many fans excited.
“Kyrie and Cooper Flagg gonna get Darryn Peterson right See you in Dallas in the summer kid 🫡,” @kyriecenterig said.
“Coop driving with the ability to pass to Kyrie and DP at the 3 point line,” @AustinsChats wrote.
“The dream is really shaping up,” @Void_shadow77 said.
“Dybantsa first option to the mavs but I will be very happy to see Peterson on the mavs.. he’s another franchise changing player as well,” @NasdaqDowJones_ said.
“As a KU fan, I love that Peterson came for a year. These guys shouldn’t be made to go to college but that’s another subject. Hope he joins Flagg in Dallas. 👍,” @CryptMidwest said.
Darryn Peterson led Kansas as its top scoring option all season, putting up 20.2 points per game. He raised his level even further in the tournament, averaging 24.5 points across two games despite the early exit.
Where is Darryn Peterson expected to be picked in the 2026 NBA draft?
There is a major hurdle in Darryn Peterson’s potential acquisition by Dallas in the 2026 NBA draft. Peterson is widely projected as a top-five pick, and his stock has only climbed during March Madness. The Mavericks, on the other hand, are not favored to pick higher than sixth, which makes it unlikely he will still be available on the board when they are on the clock.
If things somehow fall their way and Peterson does end up in Dallas, he would likely step right into the starting lineup. A backcourt pairing with Kyrie Irving, along with Cooper Flagg as another scoring force, would instantly give the Mavericks one of the most dangerous young cores in the league.
Read More: Jayson Tatum’s Trainer Directly Blames Coaching After Another Inefficient Game
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!
