Paul Pierce on KU Freshman Star Darryn Peterson: “He’s in a lane by himself”
Back in Allen Fieldhouse-where his No. 34 jersey hangs high above the court-Paul Pierce didn’t just return to soak in the nostalgia. The Kansas legend and NBA Hall of Famer came to see the future. And right now, that future wears a Kansas uniform and answers to the name Darryn Peterson.
Pierce was on hand to watch the highly anticipated matchup between Peterson and BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa, two of the top prospects vying for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Throw in Duke’s Cameron Boozer, and the race for that top spot is heating up-but in Pierce’s eyes, Peterson is already separating himself.
“I think he was a lot better than I was as a freshman,” Pierce said. “I mean, I wasn’t NBA-ready as a freshman.
Over time, players get better. He’s putting together one of the best freshman seasons ever out here at Kansas.
So, he’s in a lane by himself.”
That’s high praise coming from someone who knows exactly what it takes to make the leap from Lawrence to NBA stardom.
And Peterson’s numbers back it up. Despite battling through health issues this season, the freshman guard is averaging 21.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in just 27.3 minutes per game. That’s not just solid production-it’s elite efficiency from a first-year player in one of college basketball’s most demanding programs.
In the showdown with BYU, Peterson wasted no time making his presence felt. He torched the Cougars for 18 points in the first half, hitting 6-of-7 from the field and adding three steals for good measure.
Cramping limited him to just three second-half minutes, but the damage was done. He finished with 20 minutes played and a statement performance in a game that scouts had circled weeks in advance.
Dybantsa, for his part, found his rhythm late and ended with 17 points on 6-for-12 shooting. But it was Peterson who set the tone early and looked every bit the future lottery pick.
“I think it’s great for basketball,” Pierce said of the Peterson-Dybantsa rivalry. “We’re going to be watching these two go against each other for a very long time.”
Pierce didn’t just stop at praise-he also offered some intriguing player comps. For Peterson, he sees shades of Ray Allen and Bradley Beal. That’s high-level company: smooth shooters with the ability to get downhill and finish at the rim.
“He can really shoot the ball, get to the basket,” Pierce said.
As for Dybantsa? Pierce sees a bit of Tracy McGrady in his game-long, athletic, and capable of taking over from anywhere on the floor.
But Pierce also made it clear that some comparisons go too far. When asked about whispers of a certain Black Mamba comp being thrown around for Peterson, he pumped the brakes.
“I’m not going to Kobe. I’m not going there,” Pierce said.
“I don’t like doing that with players anyway. You can’t compare college kids to all-time greats, so not like the top of the top.
Let’s give him some time to grow.”
That’s a grounded take from someone who’s lived the journey-from college phenom to NBA champion. And while Pierce isn’t ready to crown Peterson just yet, his message is clear: the kid is special.
So if you haven’t tuned in yet, now’s the time. Darryn Peterson isn’t just making noise-he’s making history. And if Paul Pierce is right, this is only the beginning.