After a seven-game absence, Kansas star Darryn Peterson made his long-awaited return from hamstring issues. Peterson tallied 17 points, three rebounds, and one assist in 23 minutes of action in the Jayhawks’ 80-60 win over the Missouri Tigers on Sunday.
The win improved coach Bill Self’s Jayhawks to 7-3 for the season, and Peterson’s return served as a timely reminder of the depth of talent that the current roster contains.
Bill Self Addresses Benefits of Darryn Peterson’s Injury
Several fringe players on the Jayhawks’ roster have had to step up for the team during Peterson’s injury. During his postgame news conference after the win against the Tigers, Self once again pointed out the silver lining for his team from Peterson’s injury.
“I think it (Peterson’s injury) was beneficial, but I also say this, I don’t know that Kohl (Rosario) benefited from it, because he needs somebody in the game that can get him open looks and stuff like that, that we didn’t have as much,” Self said.
“One thing that we did do that we didn’t anticipate doing was move Tre (White), Bryson (Tiller) and Flory (Bidunga), moved them around where they’re all playing together. Which probably wouldn’t have done if we had D.P, Melvin and one other guy. We found a lineup that I may not have played as much if that didn’t happen.”
The Jayhawks adapted to playing without their star player and went 5-2 during Peterson’s injury-enforced absence, including an impressive Players’ Era Festival win over the No. 20 Tennessee Volunteers.
Self Details Peterson’s Injury Woes
Peterson has had a stop-start college basketball career so far, being withdrawn in the Jayhawks’ exhibition and season-opening games with cramping issues. The talented guard also faced several setbacks during rehabilitation for his hamstring injury, and even during the game against Missouri, he was battling the flu.
During his weekly news conference, Self detailed the frustration that Peterson has undergone due to his injury woes this season.
“I think it frustrates him. But it’s the world we live in,” Self said. “That kid is over there getting four treatments a day, 45 minutes in every treatment. That kid spends more time shooting on his own maybe than [any player] I’ve ever coached.
“That kid wants to be out there so bad, and then when I say whatever I’m going to say, it’s not enough for me to say, ‘It’s day to day,’ which that’s what it’s been.”
With the Jayhawks two weeks out from tipping off Big 12 play against the UCF Knights on Jan. 3, Peterson’s return could not come at a better time for Self’s team.