Kansas fans, you can finally exhale - it looks like Darryn Peterson is back.
After missing the Jayhawks’ rivalry game against Kansas State and exiting late in the Colorado matchup with an ankle injury, the star freshman is expected to return just in time for a marquee showdown against No. 13 BYU. Head coach Bill Self confirmed the news, and it’s exactly what Kansas needed heading into one of the most anticipated games of the season.
Peterson’s return doesn’t just mean Kansas is getting a top scorer back - it means they’re getting their offensive engine. The freshman phenom is averaging 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, but those numbers only tell part of the story.
His presence on the floor shifts the entire dynamic of the Jayhawks’ offense. He demands attention from multiple defenders, creating space for shooters and opening up lanes for ball movement.
Even when tightly guarded, Peterson has a knack for getting to the rim or drawing contact - a rare combination of finesse and physicality for a player his age.
The contrast in Kansas’ production with and without him is stark. With Peterson, the Jayhawks are putting up 81.8 points per game.
Without him? That number dips to 74.7.
That seven-point swing isn’t just a stat - it’s the difference between controlling a game and fighting to stay in it. Kansas has had to lean on its defense to compensate for his absence, but it’s clear the offense hums at a different frequency when Peterson is out there.
And the timing of his return couldn’t be more dramatic. Kansas isn’t just facing another Big 12 opponent - they’re going up against a BYU team that’s not only ranked No. 13 but also features another freshman sensation in AJ Dybantsa.
If Peterson is the projected No. 1 pick in next year’s NBA Draft, Dybantsa isn’t far behind, widely projected to go No. 2.
That sets the stage for a head-to-head battle that scouts, fans, and college hoops diehards have had circled for weeks.
Dybantsa has been electric lately. He dropped 40 on Utah and nearly led BYU to an upset over No.
1 Arizona with a 24-point performance. He’s long, athletic, and relentless - a perfect foil for Peterson’s polished scoring and court awareness.
This is more than just a conference clash; it’s a glimpse into the future of the NBA.
There’s no word yet on whether Peterson will be on a minutes restriction, but if he’s feeling good, don’t be surprised if Self lets him loose. Kansas needs every bit of his shot-making, playmaking, and leadership to keep pace with a red-hot BYU squad.
So buckle up. Saturday’s game isn’t just a battle between two ranked teams - it’s a showcase of two elite freshmen with NBA futures written all over them. And now, with Peterson back in the mix, Kansas has its star - and its swagger - right where it needs to be.