The Kansas Jayhawks are starting to find their rhythm-and they’re doing it under less-than-ideal circumstances. Tuesday night’s 75-69 road win over Colorado wasn’t a statement victory by any stretch, but in the rugged landscape of Big 12 basketball, a win without your Hall of Fame head coach? That’s something you take every time.
With Bill Self sidelined, Kansas leaned on its wealth of talent-and that talent delivered. Melvin Council Jr., Tre White, Flory Bidunga, and Darryn Peterson all hit double figures, showcasing the kind of depth that makes this Jayhawks squad dangerous when everything’s clicking.
Let’s talk about Peterson for a second. Statistically, this wasn’t his sharpest outing-16 points on 15 shots-but even on an off night, the freshman phenom managed to etch his name into Big 12 history.
He became just the third player in conference history to score at least 15 points in each of his first 10 games. That’s not just consistency-that’s rarefied air.
Peterson has been electric from the jump. He’s already posted six 20-point games this season, putting together highlight-reel performances that feel more like veteran work than freshman flashes. His game has a smoothness to it-the way he attacks the rim, stops on a dime, and rises for a jumper-it’s like watching the game slow down around him.
His signature moment so far? That 32-point explosion against TCU.
Kansas trailed by as many as 16 in that one, and it was Peterson who helped drag them back, including three clutch free throws to tie things up at 87. It wasn’t just the volume of points-it was the timing, the poise, and the ability to deliver in the moment.
What really sets Peterson apart, though, is his efficiency. Even when the shots aren’t falling at his usual clip, he doesn’t force the issue.
His lowest field goal percentage in a game this season? 35.3%-and that’s only happened once.
Overall, he’s shooting a strong 49.3% from the field, a mark that speaks to his smart shot selection and polished offensive game.
Next up for Peterson and the Jayhawks: a rivalry clash with Kansas State in the always-heated Sunflower Showdown. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
CT on Saturday, and it’ll be one to circle. With Peterson looking to bounce back and Kansas continuing to build momentum, this matchup has all the makings of a Big 12 classic.