We’re just a few weeks out from the start of conference play in college basketball, and one of the biggest storylines heading into December is the health of Kansas freshman phenom Darryn Peterson - a projected No. 1 overall pick and the kind of talent that can tilt the balance of a season.
Peterson has only suited up for two games so far this year, and that number isn't changing just yet. Kansas fans hoping to see him back on the court for Tuesday night’s marquee matchup against No.
5 UConn at Allen Fieldhouse were left waiting again. Despite some encouraging signs, Peterson was ruled out ahead of tipoff.
The freshman guard started the season dealing with what was initially described as cramping - a minor issue, or so it seemed. But that diagnosis evolved into a hamstring strain, and it’s been a lingering problem ever since. He missed Kansas’ impressive three-game sweep at the Players Era tournament in Las Vegas, and while there was hope he’d return for the high-profile clash with UConn, that return will have to wait.
Head coach Bill Self said Monday that Peterson had been practicing and looked sharp - a positive development. But Self also made it clear that the final decision would come down to how Peterson felt on game day. Tuesday morning brought the answer: not quite ready.
That’s a tough blow for Kansas, especially considering how electric Peterson looked in his brief time on the floor. In just two appearances, he averaged 21.5 points per game while shooting a blistering 60 percent from the field. That’s not just efficient - that’s elite, especially for a freshman still getting his feet wet at the college level.
The Jayhawks have managed to hold their own without him, but there’s no question this team’s ceiling rises considerably with Peterson in the lineup. His scoring ability, athleticism, and feel for the game are rare, and he brings a dynamic element that few teams in the country can match.
All eyes now turn to Sunday, when Kansas faces off against long-time rival Missouri. Whether Peterson suits up for that one remains to be seen, but if he does, it could be the spark that takes this already-strong Kansas squad to another gear.