Darryn Peterson has faced plenty of criticism for missing games this season. He recently opened up about how he feels. “Everyone has an opinion,” he told ESPN. “Basketball is my life. If I could have played every game, I would have. I never wanted to miss games, but sometimes things happen.”
This season, Peterson has been sidelined for 11 out of Kansas’ 27 games. He’s also spent less than 25 minutes on the court in several others. Notably, he missed the big win over No. 1 Arizona and even sat out part of the game against Oklahoma State.
In the Arizona game, a post on X caught attention, highlighting confusion around Peterson’s health situation. Some fans speculated about his commitment during moments he seemed slow to return to huddles, raising discussions on social media about his effort.
Coach Bill Self expressed his worries about Peterson’s availability as the NCAA Tournament approaches. “We need all our best players to perform at their peak,” he said. “Missing games can derail not just the next match but also our season.”
Despite the challenges, Peterson has a promising future. He’s a strong candidate for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, joining other top talents like BYU’s AJ Dybansta and Duke’s Cameron Boozer. Currently, he averages 19.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, with a shooting percentage of 48%. However, his minutes played are lower than his competitors, which may affect his draft stock.
In light of the pressure and expectations, Peterson remains focused on the NCAA Tournament. “I want to give everything I have,” he said. “Let’s do this.”
As Peterson navigates the rest of the season, his resilience and performance will be closely watched, both by fans and scouts. It’s a crucial time for him, both on and off the court.
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