Darryn Peterson's freshman season at Kansas wrapped up sooner than expected, with the Jayhawks bowing out in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32. It was a season marked by unpredictability, largely due to Peterson's recurring cramping issues. These challenges occasionally sidelined him and sometimes limited his performance even when he was on the court.
Now, all eyes turn to Peterson's future. The NBA seems to be the logical next step, a sentiment echoed by Kansas head coach Bill Self after Sunday's game. "I hope the year was enjoyable for him," Self remarked, reflecting on his time with Peterson.
Such comments suggest Peterson is ready to make the leap, and it's hard to argue against it. He's been touted as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Even with concerns about his cramping, it's unlikely he'll fall outside the top three, with BYU's AJ Dybantsa and Duke's Cameron Boozer also in the mix.
Peterson capped off his collegiate year with impressive stats, averaging 20 points per game and shooting over 38% from beyond the arc. His next chapter almost certainly leads to the NBA, where his talent promises to shine.