Kansas head coach Bill Self had every reason to celebrate after the Jayhawks' 81-69 triumph over Oklahoma State, but his mood was tempered by concern over star guard Darryn Peterson's recurring cramping issues. Peterson, who was having a stellar game with 23 points, including six three-pointers, had to sit out most of the second half.
"It's a concern," Self noted postgame. "I thought we were past it, but obviously we're not.
In the NCAA Tournament, you need all your best players available. One bad day can derail not just a game, but a season."
Peterson's early exit came just three minutes into the second half, with Kansas holding a ten-point lead. While the Jayhawks maintained control, Self couldn't help but think about what might have been for his standout freshman.
"I didn't anticipate that tonight at all," Self reflected. "I thought he was good to go.
But we only got 18 minutes out of him. That's disappointing because he could have had a really good night."
This isn't the first time Peterson has faced cramping issues. He played just 20 minutes in a previous win over BYU, with similar timing in his exit. Hamstring and ankle problems have also plagued him, including a hamstring strain that kept him out for seven games earlier in the season.
Despite these setbacks, Peterson remains a top prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft, averaging a team-high 20 points while shooting an impressive 48.5% from the field and 43.1% from beyond the arc. The Ohio native's resilience and talent continue to shine through, even as he battles these physical challenges.