Darryn Peterson's NBA future made clear after Kansas' season-ending loss

Darryn Peterson didn't plan on his freshman season at Kansas ending this soon.

But on Sunday, the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32 became the finishing point for this campaign's odd Jayhawks.

Much of the oddity, of course, was due to Peterson and his cramping, that prevented him from playing some nights, resulted in him asking out of games on other nights, and seemed to at times limit him physically even when he was playing.

Now, the question becomes, what's next for Peterson?

Well, the assumption will be the NBA. And a simple answer from Kansas head coach Bill Self after Sunday's loss pretty much affirms that.

"I hope the year was enjoyable for him," Self told reporters, via the official NCAA transcript. "I know I enjoyed being around him an awful lot."

MORE: Is Bill Self retiring as Kansas coach?

Self wouldn't answer like that if Peterson wasn't as good as gone. And it's not to blame Peterson -- it's the logical path for him to take.

He's been viewed as the potential No. 1 overall pick for the 2026 NBA Draft. Even if his cramping concerns knock him down a notch, he shouldn't go outside the top-three (which is most likely to also include BYU's AJ Dybantsa and Duke's Cameron Boozer).

Peterson finished the year averaging 20 points per game and shooting better than 38% from 3-point range.

His next stop, almost certainly, is the league.

More March Madness news:

• Bryce James has a quiet role in March Madness
• Caleb Wilson shares honest feelings about staying at UNC
• How to tell the Boozer twins apart
• Darryn Peterson deals with cramps, commitment concerns
• NBA Draft scouting report on Florida's 7-foot-9 center
• Syracuse, Gerry McNamara, a near upset and a head coaching gig