Kansas star Darryn Peterson made his long-awaited return during the Jayhawks’ 80-60 win over the Missouri Tigers on Saturday evening. The win improved them to 7-3, with the guard’s comeback a welcome return as they prepare to tip off Big 12 play in January.
In his return game, Peterson tallied 17 points, three rebounds, and one assist in 23 minutes of action as he managed flu-like symptoms during the game.
Bill Self Dismisses Fantasy Darryn Peterson & AJ Dybantsa Team Up
During his weekly news conference, Kansas coach Bill Self dismissed a question by a reporter who suggested that the Jayhawks might have managed to recruit both Peterson and BYU Cougars star AJ Dybantsa.
“No. Not unless you come by some money in the old-fashioned way and inherit a ton,” Self said.
Dybantsa was the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2025 and was heavily recruited by several elite programs, although he ultimately opted to join coach Kevin Young’s project at BYU. He is averaging 20.3, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists for the Cougars this season.
Self Addresses Peterson’s Frustrating Injury Journey
In the Jayhawks exhibition games against Louisville and the first two games of the season against the Green Bay Phoenix and the North Carolina Tar Heels, Peterson struggled with cramps and was withdrawn early.
During his weekly news conference, Self also addressed Peterson’s frustrating injury journey that has forced him to miss seven games.
“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.
“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. I think in his situation, it may be good for him, because he’s going to get talked about a lot moving forward. Hey, it’s all preparation. I see it as part of the process more than I see it as a negative.”
In several quarters, Peterson is tabbed to be one of the top three prospects in the NBA Draft class of 2026, alongside BYU’s Dybantsa and talented Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer. Unlike the other two, who have both stayed healthy, Peterson has a lot of catching up to do in his nascent college basketball career.
