Darryn Peterson didn’t need a full game to make his presence felt - just one electric half was enough to remind everyone why he’s at the top of NBA draft boards.
In Kansas’ 90-82 win over 13th-ranked BYU, Peterson lit up Allen Fieldhouse with 18 first-half points, including a highlight-reel dunk that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Then, just as suddenly as he took over, he was done for the day. The projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft watched the entire second half from the bench, his night capped at 20 minutes.
And yet, the impact was undeniable.
This wasn’t just a typical conference win for the 14th-ranked Jayhawks. It was a showcase - for Peterson, for Kansas' depth, and for the growing buzz around this year’s freshman class.
With at least 32 NBA executives in the building, Peterson gave them exactly what they came to see: elite shotmaking, smooth athleticism, and a flair for the dramatic. Even in limited action, he looked every bit the part of a future franchise cornerstone.
“He makes things look so effortless, it’s unbelievable,” one NBA executive said. “His shotmaking is unmatched. He’s the closest thing to Kobe Bryant I’ve seen since Kobe.”
That’s not a quote you hear lightly. But Peterson’s blend of poise and polish - especially for a freshman - is rare.
He’s averaging 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in just 27.2 minutes per game, and he hasn’t played a full contest all season. He missed nine games due to injury and sat out the Jayhawks’ previous matchup against Kansas State.
Even when he’s been available, Kansas has kept him on a minute restriction.
Still, when he's on the floor, he dominates possessions. Saturday was just the latest example.
While Peterson rested, Kansas leaned on its balance. All five starters hit double figures, continuing a trend that’s helped the Jayhawks stay in the thick of the Big 12 title race.
This team isn’t just built around one star - it’s a group that knows how to share the load. And when Peterson isn’t available to close, they’ve proven they can still finish the job.
On the other side, BYU’s Richie Saunders stole some of the spotlight with a game-high 33 points, showing off his own scoring chops in front of the same NBA crowd. Fellow draft prospect AJ Dybantsa, another name to watch in this class, finished with 17 points in a quieter outing.
But make no mistake - this was Peterson’s stage.
College basketball is seeing a surge of top-tier freshmen, and scouts are already buzzing that this 2026 draft class could be one for the books. Peterson is leading that charge, and performances like Saturday’s - even in limited minutes - only add fuel to the fire.
Kansas continues to climb, and if Peterson can stay healthy down the stretch, the ceiling gets even higher. For now, though, the Jayhawks are showing they can win with or without their star logging heavy minutes.
But when he does play? It’s must-watch basketball.