Henry in the Huddle: Kansas' Ongoing Challenge with Peterson
In Stillwater, Oklahoma, the Kansas Jayhawks showcased both promise and a lingering concern during their victory over Oklahoma State. Coach Bill Self has frequently mentioned that his team has untapped potential, especially when all players are healthy and in sync. However, Wednesday night's game highlighted a recurring issue with guard Darryn Peterson, raising questions about when-or if-the Jayhawks will reach their full potential.
Peterson, who has been dealing with cramping issues, made an early exit once again. This came after an 18-day stretch without any known cramping episodes, suggesting he might have moved past the problem. Earlier in the season, Peterson had an impressive first half against BYU before cramps forced him out, and the team nearly lost a significant lead.
In recent games, Peterson seemed to have overcome these challenges, playing significant minutes and making crucial plays. However, he missed the upset win over Arizona due to flu-like symptoms, leading to speculation about his health. Coach Self defended Peterson, attributing his absences to a string of bad luck rather than "load management," a narrative that had gained traction on social media.
Wednesday's game mirrored the BYU incident, with Peterson delivering 20 points and helping Kansas establish a 23-point lead. Yet, after hitting a three-pointer, he signaled to Coach Self and exited the game with 17:22 left on the clock. Despite this, Kansas managed to secure an 81-69 win, though their second-half performance without Peterson was less than stellar.
Coach Self expressed both disappointment and surprise at Peterson's early exit, noting that he believed the cramping issue was under control. "I thought he was good to go," Self remarked, highlighting the frustration of only getting 18 minutes from a player capable of having a significant impact.
The Jayhawks have become accustomed to playing without Peterson, as he has missed 12 of their 26 games. Senior forward Tre White acknowledged Peterson's contribution in setting a strong foundation for the team to build on, even when the opposition mounted a comeback.
Looking ahead, Self is understandably concerned about the potential impact of losing Peterson during critical moments, especially with the NCAA Tournament looming. "All it takes is one day like that to derail not only a game but a season," Self pointed out.
With the tournament's first round set to begin on March 19, Kansas faces a ticking clock to address Peterson's cramping issues and improve their adaptability when he is on the floor. The team's ability to resolve these challenges could be pivotal in determining their postseason success.