Kansas may be getting a major boost ahead of its marquee matchup with UConn, but for now, Darryn Peterson’s status remains in limbo. Head coach Bill Self said the freshman guard has been practicing and showing signs of progress, but a final medical evaluation will determine whether he’s cleared to suit up Tuesday night in Lawrence.
“He’s practiced. He’s gone up and down,” Self said.
“The hesitancy I have is that before we announce anything is, he has to test out medically from a strength and flexibility standpoint. And we’ll know that in the morning.”
Translation: Peterson is close, but not quite there yet. Kansas fans will have to wait until game day for a definitive answer. If he’s cleared, though, Self made it clear-Peterson will start.
That would be a big-time development for the Jayhawks, who are preparing to host UConn at Allen Fieldhouse in a primetime showdown. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. CT on ESPN2.
Peterson’s college career has gotten off to a stop-and-start kind of rhythm. Since Kansas’ early-season loss to North Carolina in November, he hasn’t seen the floor. And even before that, his availability was touch-and-go.
It started with KU’s game at Louisville, where Peterson exited early due to what Self called a cramping issue. Four days later, he sat out the exhibition against Fort Hays State after still not feeling right. Then came the season opener against Green Bay, where he again left in the second half with cramps and didn’t return.
But when he’s been on the court, Peterson’s impact has been undeniable.
In the game against North Carolina, he logged 28 minutes and dropped 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting. Over his first two appearances of the season, Peterson averaged 21.5 points while shooting a scorching 60% from the field. He also chipped in 3.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game-numbers that show just how versatile and explosive he can be when healthy.
Self previously labeled the issue as a hamstring strain, which has clearly lingered longer than anyone in Lawrence would’ve liked. But with UConn coming to town, the timing of Peterson’s potential return couldn’t be more critical.
If he’s able to go, Kansas gets back a dynamic scorer who can shift the balance of a game. If not, the Jayhawks will have to lean on their depth and wait a little longer for their freshman star to get back to full strength.
Either way, all eyes will be on Allen Fieldhouse Tuesday night-and on Darryn Peterson’s name when the starting lineups are announced.