Kansas Freshman Darryn Peterson Nearing Return Ahead of Big 12 Opener
LAWRENCE - There was a buzz inside Allen Fieldhouse on Monday afternoon, and it wasn’t just from the 550 first- through sixth-graders packed into the gym for Kansas’ annual holiday hoops clinic. Sitting courtside, Sharpie in hand, was freshman guard Darryn Peterson, surrounded by teammates and signing autographs - a familiar face fans have seen only sparingly on the court this season.
Peterson, the 6-foot-6 freshman from Canton, Ohio, has appeared in just four of Kansas’ 13 nonconference games due to lingering hamstring tightness and recurring leg cramping. But after a cautious approach to his recovery, there’s growing optimism that he’s inching closer to a return - and just in time, with the Big 12 gauntlet about to begin.
Kansas head coach Bill Self confirmed that Peterson has been a full participant in practice since Saturday, when the Jayhawks reconvened following a five-day holiday break. It’s the first time he’s practiced without restriction since his last game action on Dec. 13 against NC State.
“Yes, he’s practicing,” Self said during Monday’s clinic. “I don’t have any status beyond that, but yes, he’s definitely out there practicing the whole time.”
It’s a positive step for both Peterson and the program, which currently sits at 10-3 heading into Saturday’s conference opener against 11-1 UCF in Orlando (1 p.m. CT, Addition Financial Arena). Whether Peterson suits up for that game remains uncertain, but Self acknowledged that the freshman is getting close.
“I think he’s really, really close,” Self said. “Hopefully he’ll feel really good the rest of this week of practice.”
Peterson was one of 14 players who made it back to Lawrence in time for Saturday’s session. Two players - Paul Mbiya and Melvin Council Jr. - were delayed due to weather-related travel issues but rejoined the team later that night. By Sunday, the full roster was back on the floor, and Peterson was right in the mix.
The Jayhawks have taken a collaborative, cautious approach with Peterson’s recovery, one that’s included input from the coaching staff, medical personnel, and the player’s family. The shared goal has been to ensure that when Peterson returns, he’s not just available - he’s ready.
After Kansas’ win over Davidson, Self emphasized that the decision to keep Peterson sidelined has been a mutual one.
“He’s doing well,” Self said at the time. “They made a decision - and I don’t disagree with it - that they want him to be as close to 100% as possible when he comes back.
He’s just not quite there yet. It’s a day-to-day deal.”
That measured approach has allowed other Jayhawks to step up in Peterson’s absence, giving the team valuable depth and experience heading into conference play. But make no mistake - when healthy, Peterson brings a dynamic presence to the floor that Kansas would love to have as it enters one of the toughest stretches of the season.
“He wants to be out there,” Self said. “But he’s just not quite ready.”
With a few more practices between now and tipoff in Orlando, all eyes will be on Peterson’s progression. If he’s cleared, his return could provide a timely boost for a Kansas team looking to hit its stride as Big 12 play begins.