.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
One of the most intriguing — and at times confusing — storylines in college basketball this season has been Kansas Jayhawks star freshman and top NBA prospect Darryn Peterson.
Peterson has missed 11 games this season due to a variety of issues, and he has also sat out significant portions of games due to cramping — most recently Wednesday night in Kansas’ win over Oklahoma State.
After making a shot, Peterson signaled to Kansas head coach Bill Self to take him out of the game, despite showing no visible issues. He appeared in just 18 minutes but still led the team in scoring with 23 points, while the other four starters each played 30-plus minutes.
Self has defended Peterson all season amid scrutiny over missed games and limited minutes, but even he seemed surprised when Peterson asked to be removed.
“We've had this happen more than a couple of times,” Self said after the game. “I thought he was good to go. We only got 18 minutes out of him. That’s disappointing, because he could’ve had a really big night.”
MORE: ESPN's Jay Williams warns NBA teams about Darryn Peterson
Bill Self on Darryn Peterson checking himself out:
“We've had this happen more than a couple of times. I thought he was good to go. We only got 18 minutes out of him. That's disappointing, because he could've had a really big night.”
Joining in on the backlash surrounding Peterson, who could be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, was ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who directed a blunt message to the 19-year-old.
“Let me say this. There is no team in hell that should grab Darryn Peterson at No. 1,” Smith said. “You cannot do it. The first ability is availability. My brother, Darryn Peterson, I hope you’re watching because I’m talking directly to him… what the hell is going on? You are a college player. There’s 24–25 games, he’s already missed about 11–12. You pull yourself out? You make a J, then look at the coach, ‘I want to get out of here,’ and it’s not the first time he’s done it.
“I can’t believe what I’m seeing from this guy. This guy is a sensational player… this is business. I can’t trust him. You cannot be trusted. The NBA is a business, it’s 82 regular-season games… you’re invoking your own load management. You are a freshman in college. How can I trust you? How can I invest in you?”
"There is no team in hell that should grab Darryn Peterson at No. 1. ... [Peterson] cannot be trusted."@stephenasmith SOUNDS OFF on Peterson's availability this season 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/WRq5gswRrv
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 19, 2026Peterson has played 30-plus minutes in just six of the 15 games he’s appeared in for the Jayhawks this season.
Kansas will return to action at home on Saturday against Cincinnati. As of now, there is no injury designation for the freshman as the team heads into the final stretch of the regular season, leading into the conference tournament and March Madness.
English (US)