One stat proves Darryn Peterson has been selfish for Kansas

How unusual and concerning is Darryn Peterson’s recent stretch been for the No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks? There is one stat to support the roller coaster ride. 

Over his last seven games, Peterson has recorded no more than an assist. That’s one assist over his last 76 minutes played. For a projected No. 1 overall pick and primary ball handler, it’s an absurd number.

What makes it even wilder is the context. Peterson’s usage rate sits at 33.5%, just two points off the national leader. In other words, Kansas’ offense is overwhelmingly flowing through him. High usage typically correlates with high assist opportunities and defensive attention collapses, passing windows open and teammates benefit.

However, Peterson is averaging fewer than 1.5 assists per game during that span, which is a statistical outlier that’s borderline unprecedented for a guard commanding that much of the offense.

It feeds into the larger debate surrounding Peterson, who is expected to play Monday night against No. 5 Houston Cougars at Allen Fieldhouse. Some prominent NBA voices have questioned his competitiveness after several in-game exits tied to cramping, illness and minor injuries.

Yet there’s another way to read the numbers in this situation. Kansas may be asking Peterson to shoulder a massive scoring burden while he battles through physical setbacks. He’s still producing near 20 points per game when active. 

More: Carmelo Anthony calls on NBA to address Darryn Peterson controversy

But the assist drought suggests the offense has tilted heavily toward isolation scoring rather than playmaking. A shift that has put Peterson squarely in the spotlight as both a franchise talent and go-to scorer. 

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