Darryn Peterson’s freshman season was supposed to be a showcase - a launchpad toward the NBA Draft spotlight where he’s widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick. Instead, it’s been a frustrating stretch defined more by injury reports than highlight reels.
From hamstring tightness to a sprained ankle, cramping issues, and a bout with flu-like symptoms, the highly touted guard has managed to suit up for just 13 games so far. And while the talent is undeniable, the interruptions have left fans and critics alike searching for answers.
But according to Kansas head coach Bill Self, the speculation around Peterson’s availability has veered far from the truth.
“It's really not remotely true,” Self told reporters Thursday, addressing the online chatter suggesting Peterson and his camp have been selective about when he plays. “The thing about it is, when you're honest, people don't believe you. Then you don't comment on it, and people create their own narratives.”
It’s a familiar cycle in today’s college basketball landscape, especially when a player with Peterson’s draft stock misses time. But Self laid it out plainly - this is a case of bad luck, not load management.
“Was his hamstring legit? Hell, yes,” Self said.
“Would you risk injuring it more in November? No.
Was this cramping legit? Yes, positively, it was.
Did he turn his ankle bad to the point where he couldn't practice for nine days? Yes.
And then, of all things, he gets sick.”
That illness sidelined Peterson most recently during Kansas’ marquee win over previously undefeated Arizona - a signature 82-78 victory at Allen Fieldhouse. The freshman guard was seen during early warmups but was ultimately ruled out before tipoff due to illness.
“And this is what blows my mind,” Self continued. “He didn't play because he was sick - that alone isn’t a big deal.
But when you stack it on top of the other games he’s missed, people start connecting dots that aren’t there. He’s had a string of bad luck.”
When healthy, Peterson has looked every bit the elite prospect scouts have pegged him to be. He’s averaging 20.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, shooting an efficient 48.9% from the field - and doing it all in under 28 minutes a night.
The production is there. The problem has been availability.
Now, Kansas faces another big test with a rematch against No. 5 Iowa State looming.
The Jayhawks handled the Cyclones with authority back in mid-January, cruising to an 84-63 win that kicked off what became an eight-game winning streak. But this time, they may once again be without their star freshman.
“He is really sick,” Self said. “Is he better today?
Yeah, he was out there yesterday. Was he full speed?
No. Was he full speed today?
No. I'm hoping he can be closer to full speed tomorrow, and hopefully, he can be full speed on Saturday.”
In Peterson’s absence, others have stepped up - most notably Flory Bidunga and Melvin Council Jr., who combined for 46 points in the win over Arizona. That kind of depth is going to be crucial down the stretch, especially with the Big 12 heating up and March Madness just around the corner.
Tipoff against Iowa State is set for 12 p.m. CT this Saturday, with the game streaming on ABC. Whether Peterson is in uniform or not, the Jayhawks will need to bring the same energy and execution that carried them past the nation’s top team - because the road ahead isn’t getting any easier.