Kansas coach Bill Self has been navigating a whirlwind season, and he’s the first to admit that not everything went smoothly. Freshman sensation Darryn Peterson, a projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, found himself at the center of it all.
His limited public appearances during a season riddled with injuries and speculation only added fuel to the fire for the No. 14 Jayhawks.
Reflecting on the situation, Self acknowledged the complexities involved. "From a team perspective, it was challenging," Self shared on the Eye on College Basketball podcast. "Darryn was in a tough spot, unable to address questions he didn’t have answers to."
Peterson’s freshman year has been anything but steady. Early on, a hamstring issue sidelined him, followed by ankle and illness setbacks. Frequent exits due to cramping kept him in the headlines, raising questions about his availability and resilience.
Self explained that limiting Peterson’s media interactions was more about shielding him from speculation rather than controlling the narrative. "We didn’t want him to speak on things he was unsure about," Self said. "It wasn’t a straightforward situation for him or his family."
Despite the challenges, Self believes the team has grown through the adversity. "Darryn’s journey became a bigger story than anticipated, but it’s been a learning curve for all of us," he noted. "The final chapter isn’t written yet, and we’ll see how it unfolds."
The upcoming Paramount+ docuseries, Made for March, captures this tumultuous season for Kansas and Michigan, offering an unscripted look at the teams. The series premieres on April 4, providing fans a behind-the-scenes pass to the action.
As Kansas heads into the postseason, Peterson’s form will be crucial. He’s been averaging 19.4 points over the past five games, and his recent performance against Kansas State suggests he’s hitting his stride at the right time.
"I’m feeling great," Peterson said. "Perfect timing as we approach the Big 12 and NCAA Tournaments."
With Selection Sunday approaching, Peterson’s health and play could be pivotal for the Jayhawks’ March ambitions.
On his own future, Self confirmed his intentions to continue coaching Kansas next season. Now in his 23rd year with the Jayhawks, the Hall of Famer remains committed despite recent health challenges.
"As long as I’m feeling good, I see no reason to stop," Self declared. "Everyone has their hurdles, and I’m ready to keep leading this team."