Darryn Peterson's journey this season has been a rollercoaster, and it's sparking quite the debate about his potential as a No. 1 NBA Draft pick.
The Kansas freshman's inconsistent availability due to nagging hamstring and cramping issues has NBA scouts scratching their heads. With Peterson playing in only 17 of Kansas' 28 games, questions about his durability are front and center.
Is it just a rough patch, or are these issues going to haunt him in the pros?
While the NBA evaluates his future, Coach Bill Self is laser-focused on the present. His mission?
To mold Kansas into a team that can make a splash in the NCAA Tournament, with or without Peterson. When they're on, the Jayhawks look like a formidable force, as evidenced by their impressive victory over Houston.
Self's confidence in his squad's potential was palpable after dismantling No. 4 Houston 69-56.
"Our ceiling is high," he remarked, highlighting the team's ability to rise to any occasion. Yet, consistency remains the elusive key.
Kansas has shown its dual nature in recent games. They stumbled badly against Cincinnati, only to bounce back and dominate a Houston team with serious Final Four aspirations. Self's track record at home is impeccable, especially on Big Monday, and the Jayhawks didn't disappoint.
Houston, dealing with fatigue after a tough schedule, struggled at Allen Fieldhouse, shooting just 32%. Kansas, on the other hand, seemed to find another gear as the game progressed.
Self, ever the strategist, wasn't fazed by Flory Bidunga's modest four-point contribution, praising his defensive dominance instead. Tre White's breakout 23-point performance was another bright spot.
Peterson, playing 30 minutes, chipped in 14 points. While not a standout performance, it was a step in the right direction amidst swirling criticisms.
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith voiced skepticism, and Dick Vitale suggested a clean break might be best for Kansas.
But on this night, Peterson proved he could be a valuable piece of the puzzle.
Kansas can't rely solely on Peterson for a Final Four run. They'll need stellar defense from Bidunga and key contributions from White and Melvin Council Jr., just like they showed against Houston. Self has expressed frustration with Peterson's sporadic presence, but acknowledges that it's pushed the rest of the team to mature quickly.
The Jayhawks have toppled formidable opponents like Arizona, Iowa State, and Houston, showcasing the resilience needed for a deep tournament run. Yet, Self admits there's still uncertainty about the team's identity and Peterson's role moving forward.
"I have a decent feel of who we need to be," Self noted. "Do I know who we are?
No. But, I still think we’ve got time to figure it out."
As March approaches, Kansas is a team brimming with potential, but the path forward is anything but clear.