Kansas' Darryn Peterson Drawing Final Four Buzz Ahead of BYU Showdown
There’s no shortage of storylines ahead of Saturday’s top-15 clash between No. 14 Kansas and No. 13 BYU, but the spotlight is burning especially bright on one name: Darryn Peterson.
With ESPN’s College GameDay setting up shop inside the iconic Allen Fieldhouse, the national conversation isn’t just about the matchup-it’s about March. And according to ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg, if Peterson stays healthy, Kansas isn’t just a contender-they’re a Final Four lock.
“If that guy’s healthy the rest of the season,” Greenberg said, “Kansas is going to the Final Four.”
That’s not just hype-it’s a reflection of how explosive Peterson has been when he’s actually been on the floor. Despite battling through a frustrating stretch of injuries-including a hamstring issue, cramps, and a recent ankle sprain-Peterson has made the most of his limited minutes.
Through 10 games, he’s averaging a jaw-dropping 21.6 points in just 27.2 minutes per game. That kind of efficiency doesn’t just turn heads-it changes ceilings for a program like Kansas.
And it’s not just media members taking notice. Earlier this week, head coach Bill Self joined Jon Rothstein’s Inside College Basketball Now and didn’t hold back when asked about Peterson’s electric outing against Baylor. The freshman went 11-of-13 from the field in that game, teaming up with fellow young star Flory Bidunga to dismantle the Bears.
Self’s take?
“The closest thing to [Kevin] Durant that I’ve seen.”
That’s not a name you throw around lightly. But when you watch Peterson glide across the court, score from all three levels, and take over games with a quiet confidence, you start to understand where Self is coming from.
Of course, the big “if” remains his health. Peterson’s missed time has kept him from fully settling into a rhythm, and with Kansas still seeking consistency in a loaded Big 12, his availability could be the difference between a deep March run and an early exit.
Saturday’s matchup against BYU isn’t just another conference game-it’s a showcase. Peterson will be sharing the stage with AJ Dybantsa, another elite freshman talent, in what promises to be a must-watch duel for NBA scouts and college hoops fans alike.
Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. CT, streaming live on ESPN. If Peterson’s on the court and anywhere near 100%, don’t be surprised if Kansas starts looking like a team built for the final weekend of the college basketball season.