Kansas fans have been on a bit of a rollercoaster this week-and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Just days after pulling off a statement win over No. 1 Arizona without their leading scorer, the ninth-ranked Jayhawks are gearing up for another massive test: a top-10 clash with No.
5 Iowa State. And this time, it looks like they’ll have their star freshman back in the lineup.
Darryn Peterson, who was a late scratch ahead of Monday’s upset due to flu-like symptoms, is expected to suit up for Saturday’s showdown. The timing couldn’t be better. Peterson returned to practice later in the week, and all signs point to him being ready to go when the Jayhawks take the floor in a game that could have major implications for both the Big 12 title race and the national rankings.
Peterson’s absence against Arizona came as a surprise-he wasn’t listed on the pregame availability report, and the decision came just before tipoff. Head coach Bill Self admitted they thought Peterson would be able to push through.
“We thought he’d go,” Self said. “I thought adrenaline would kick in.”
Instead, Kansas had to adjust on the fly, and they did more than just survive. The Jayhawks pulled together one of their most impressive performances of the season, knocking off the top-ranked team in the country without their offensive centerpiece. That kind of resilience says a lot about the depth and toughness of this group.
But make no mistake-getting Peterson back changes everything.
The freshman has been electric all season, averaging 20.5 points per game and giving Kansas a go-to scorer who can create his own shot and stretch defenses. His ability to attack off the dribble, score at all three levels, and draw attention from opposing defenses opens up the floor for everyone else. Simply put, he’s the kind of player who can tilt a game-and a season.
Against an Iowa State team that’s been one of the most consistent and physical squads in the country, Kansas will need all the firepower it can get. The Cyclones bring pressure on both ends, and their defensive intensity has worn down more than a few opponents this year. Having Peterson back in the mix gives Kansas a major boost, both strategically and emotionally.
Saturday’s matchup isn’t just another game on the schedule-it’s a potential turning point in the Big 12 race. With both teams sitting near the top of the standings, the outcome could have ripple effects heading into March. And with Peterson back in the fold, Kansas has a real shot to make another statement.
The Jayhawks proved they can win without their star. Now they get to show what they can do with him.