Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson is setting the record straight on his injury woes, dismissing any claims that they're being blown out of proportion.
Peterson's season has been marred by hamstring and quad injuries, along with illnesses, causing him to miss 11 of the team's first 27 games. When he does hit the court, his minutes are often limited, playing over 30 minutes in just seven outings due to persistent cramping.
In a recent road win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys, where Kansas triumphed 81-69, Peterson checked himself out early in the second half after a stellar 23-point performance in just 18 minutes. This move fueled speculation about his health. However, in an ESPN interview, Peterson made it clear that his love for the game is unwavering, and he's simply battling to stay fit.
Darryn Peterson addresses his health challenges
"Everyone's got an opinion," Peterson remarked. "But basketball is my life.
If I could have played every game, I would have. Missing games was never in my plans for this year.
It's just how things unfolded, and I've got to handle it."
After Kansas fell 84-68 to the Cincinnati Bearcats, head coach Bill Self stood by his star player, acknowledging that the chatter won't stop until Peterson finishes games consistently.
"There’s a way to change the narrative - play, finish," Self said. "If his body lets him, great.
If not, people will talk again. But that’s how you get them to stop."
Peterson's performance on the court speaks volumes. In his first 16 games, he averaged 19.8 points per game with a 48% field goal percentage. Even in the loss to Cincinnati, he put up 17 points, shooting 7-of-17.
He's determined to lead the Jayhawks to their fifth national championship. As of Monday, FanDuel Sportsbook listed Kansas with +3000 odds to win it all.
"Let's do it," Peterson said, responding to fans concerned about his tournament availability. "That's the goal."
While questions linger about his presence in March Madness, Peterson's commitment to the game and his team remains steadfast.