Kansas freshman sensation Darryn Peterson is no stranger to the spotlight, but he’s doing his best to tune out the noise. After leading the Jayhawks to a 78-71 victory over No. 2 Houston, Peterson addressed the buzz that’s followed him all season, especially with his projected status as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
Peterson, who has faced scrutiny for missing games and exiting others early, seems unfazed by the chatter. “Somebody has had something to say probably after every game,” he remarked.
“I don’t really pay attention.” He described himself as “kind of an anti-social loner,” offering a glimpse into how he handles criticism.
On ESPN's First Take, Stephen A. Smith weighed in on Peterson’s situation, offering a candid perspective.
Smith emphasized the importance of actions over words, pointing out Peterson’s absences due to issues like cramps and the flu. “You’re already showing an inability to be relied upon in terms of your availability,” Smith stated, highlighting the challenges Peterson faces as he matures both on and off the court.
In the game against Houston, Peterson contributed a modest 14 points, with eight coming before halftime as Kansas overcame an early deficit. Despite being double-teamed and struggling to find easy shots, his performance was enough to help secure Kansas’ third home win over an AP Top 5 opponent this season.
Now standing at 21-7, the Jayhawks are set to hit the road for a showdown with Arizona on Saturday. Peterson’s journey continues, and all eyes will be on how he navigates the pressure and expectations that come with his rising star status.