Kansas star Darryn Peterson put on a show in the No. 21 Jayhawks’ 94-51 season-opening win over Green Bay on Monday evening, but it was the praise he received afterward that truly turned heads. The freshman phenom was so effective that the opposing coach compared him to one of the NBA’s all-time greatest players, sparking a debate across the college basketball world.
Why Did a Coach Compare Darryn Peterson to Kobe Bryant?
Peterson was imperious against the Phoenix, going 7-for-11 from the field to register 21 points. His performance earned high praise from Green Bay coach Doug Gottlieb during his postgame news conference.
“That was literally the easiest 21 points in 21 minutes of action,” Doug Gottlieb said. “I thought our guys guarded well. … I don’t think he broke a sweat.”
In addition to his scoring, Peterson also added four rebounds, three assists, and two steals in just 22 minutes of action. But Gottlieb was not finished praising the young star. He later quote-tweeted a highlight reel of the Kansas guard on X, comparing him to former Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
“Closest thing to Kobe I’ve seen. Kid is awesome,” Gottlieb tweeted.
Closest thing to Kobe I’ve seen. Kid is awesome https://t.co/TxRCCIh6nc
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) November 4, 2025
However, the comparison drew mixed reactions from college basketball fans on X. Many felt the praise was premature for a player just starting his college career.
“I respect you but don’t you think you shouldn’t say this until he at least gets to the nba… Kobe was a goat in the nba.. this kid is doing this in college… imo it’s disrespectful as f**k to say this,” one fan tweeted.
I respect you but don’t you think you shouldn’t say this until he at least gets to the nba… Kobe was a goat in the nba.. this kid is doing this in college… imo it’s disrespectful as fuck to say this
— Queen LaQueefa (@paulsack_21) November 4, 2025
Other fans took issue with the stylistic comparison between Peterson and Bryant.
“DeRozan and Shai would like to have a word with you cause this tape looks nothing like Kobe lmao. Brother he looks like Aaron Wiggins but in guard form,” another fan tweeted.
DeRozan and Shai would like to have a word with you cause this tape looks nothing like Kobe lmao. Brother he looks like Aaron Wiggins but in guard form
— Timmytheinventor 🇦🇺 🇳🇬 (@Jubbitie) November 4, 2025
“Kobe ?! I get he’s good but he moves NOTHING like Kobe lmaooo,” one fan disagreed.
Kobe ?! I get he’s good but he moves NOTHING like Kobe lmaooo
— God Poohdini 🌹⏳🙏 (@edotensei_pooh) November 4, 2025
“Not even close. Can barely get off the ground,” another fan tweeted. A separate user urged caution while still acknowledging the player’s potential.
“He is most definitely a must have prospect with superstar written all over but we have to stop comparing these young players to NBA legends,” one fan tweeted.
He is most definitely a must have prospect with superstar written all over but we have to stop comparing these young players to NBA legends.
— Clevon Edwards (@DraymondEdwards) November 4, 2025
This impressive start follows a strong preseason for Peterson, who scored 26 points in 25 minutes during an exhibition game against the Louisville Cardinals last week.
What Is the Latest on Peterson’s Health Issues?
Despite the dominant performance, Peterson dealt with cramps during the second half of the game against Green Bay. This is a continuing issue that started during Kansas’ exhibition game against Louisville, which also caused him to miss the subsequent exhibition game against Fort Hays State.
During his postgame news conference, Kansas coach Bill Self provided an update about the competitive Peterson’s health after he left the game with 14:57 remaining on the clock.
“Definitely a combination,” Self said. “But definitely it was bothering him (Darryn Peterson). He said he felt it coming on. So no reason to (play him). We need to practice tomorrow. So hopefully we can get him out there for practice tomorrow. But yes, that (cramping) was the primary reason. If it had been a closer game, I’m sure he would have tried to go back out there.”
Self also praised his player’s efficient scoring before the issue arose.
“He was good. Obviously the first half … he just scores easy. He makes it look easy,” Self added. “He was really good. Once again, we couldn’t really play him much the second half at all, but I thought he was good.”
Looking ahead, the Jayhawks’ next matchup is against the No. 25 North Carolina Tar Heels on Friday. Peterson’s health will be key to any chance of a Kansas victory over a ranked opponent on the road.