The noise surrounding Darryn Peterson has reached a fever pitch, and now someone close to the Kansas star is pushing back.
Darryn Peterson’s Coach Backs Kansas Star Amid Recent Fitness Concerns
Sam Mitchell is not remaining silent. The veteran NBA coach, who has worked closely with Peterson, publicly defended the freshman’s character and effort amid a season defined as much by his absences as his performances.
While critics have questioned Peterson’s commitment and durability, Mitchell made clear he strongly objects to anyone questioning the player’s passion for the game.
“You can say what you want about his body. I’m not a doctor. But don’t you ever say this kid don’t work his butt off or that he don’t love the game,” Mitchell said. “He’s just as frustrated. He’s 18. He’s a super nice kid. He’s never been criticized and beat down like this.”
“You can say what you want about [Darryn Peterson’s] body, I’m not a doctor… but don’t you ever say, ‘He doesn’t love the game.’”
Sam, who coached Peterson the last two summers, has a message for the naysayers.https://t.co/U91Jb62Hxo@TermineRadio | @SamMitchellNBA pic.twitter.com/hxQAY5BQCq
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) March 4, 2026
Those words carry weight given the scrutiny Peterson has faced throughout the 2025-26 season. The projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Peterson has appeared in just 17 of Kansas’ 28 games, missing time due to recurring physical issues, including hamstring tightness, quad cramping, an ankle sprain, and flu-like symptoms.
For a player who arrived in Lawrence as one of the most highly touted college basketball recruits in years, the reality of his freshman campaign has been difficult to process publicly.
Mitchell addressed that reality directly, noting that Peterson is not only physically uncertain but emotionally unsettled by the scrutiny in a way he has never previously encountered.
“He’s never experienced this, and he don’t know what’s going on. But then when I talk to him, he’s a little nervous about it, because he’s unsure. So the first thing I would tell him to do is get your butt out the game until we figure this out,” Mitchell said.
That perspective is significant because the national conversation around Peterson has grown increasingly harsh. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith publicly questioned his commitment, and at least one NBA front office evaluator told reporters he would not select Peterson with the first overall pick, citing too many concerns.
The criticism has been relentless, and Mitchell emphasized that people are forgetting they are discussing an 18-year-old navigating this level of pressure for the first time.
When Peterson has been on the floor, his talent has been evident. He is averaging 19.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 44.5% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range — elite numbers for a freshman guard.
Kansas head coach Bill Self has noted that Peterson’s health situation, while frustrating, has forced other Jayhawks to develop, and the team has continued to perform without him. Still, with March approaching, the window to get Peterson healthy and reintegrated into the rotation is narrowing.
