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There are concerns about Darryn Peterson’s durability and it's a label following the Kansas freshman star as March approaches.
The No. 8 Jayhawks (20-6, 10-3 Big 12) secured an 81-69 victory over Oklahoma State on Wednesday night, but the postgame conversation centered on Peterson’s early exit.
The projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft scored 20 of his 23 points in the first half, hitting 6 of 10 from 3-point range. Shortly after knocking down a 3 early in the second half, Peterson asked coach Bill Self to come out and did not return, sitting the final 17 minutes.
This marked the latest in a string of absences for the freshman guard. Peterson has appeared in just 15 of Kansas’ 26 games and has missed 11 contests because of various injuries and illnesses, including a hamstring issue and bouts of cramping.
On Thursday's episode of ESPN’s “Get Up,” former Duke star Jay Williams questioned Peterson’s availability at the next level. “If I were a general manager, I would be extremely concerned about Darryn Peterson,” Williams said. “I don’t question his talent at all. His talent is the No. 1 pick in the draft. I’m not sure about the availability.”
"If I were a general manager, I would be extremely concerned about Darryn Peterson. ... His talent is unquestionable. It's elite. But I don't feel like he really wants to be there."
—@RealJayWilliams on Peterson's availability this season amid NIL dynamics 👀 pic.twitter.com/qXXf4cu5mk
More: Kansas' Bill Self 'concerned' about Darryn Peterson’s availability
Peterson is averaging 20 points in 26.9 minutes per game while shooting 48.5% from the field and 43.1% from 3-point range. His efficiency underscores why scouts view him as a franchise-level scorer. However, he has played 30 or more minutes in just six games.
With the Big 12 and NCAA tournaments ahead, the focus for Kansas is no longer about Peterson’s talent, but whether he can stay on the floor when it matters most. He's talented, but that only matters so much in a team dynamic.
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