Sports

Did Bill Self Refuse Darryn Peterson’s Request To Leave Game? Viral Video Catches Testy Exchange

#Kansas Jayhawks
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Darryn Peterson / Kansas Jayhawks

© Denny Medley-Imagn Images


The Kansas basketball team picked up a huge win in Big 12 play against rival Houston on Monday night. Superstar Darryn Peterson was once again a topic of conversation.

A viral video had viewers wondering if Bill Self refused Peterson’s request to leave the game. While speculation swirled, it appears there was likely another reason for the coach’s testy sideline reaction.

The Jayhawks hosted the Cougars in Lawrence with major conference championship implications on the line. Houston entered one game out of first at 11-3 in Big 12 play, but riding a two-game losing skid.

Kansas was 10-4 in the league and also looking to shake off a recent loss.

The Cougars got off to a quick start, using an 11-0 run to build an early lead. The Jayhawks then used an 11-point run of their own to turn that deficit into a four-point halftime advantage.

A second half explosion would soon follow.

Kansas won the basketball game.

Kansas led 31-27 at the break. They outscored the Cougars 38-29 in the final 20 minutes to pick up the 13-point victory.

Kansas guard Tre White led the way, scoring a game-high 23 points. He was one of four Jayhawks in double figures by night’s end.

Darryn Peterson was another. The freshman tallied 14 points on 5-14 shooting across 30 minutes of play. It was his second straight contest eclipsing the 30-minute mark.

That would appear a positive for Kansas moving forward. They need him at his healthiest come postseason play.

The extended minutes did not shield Peterson from criticism, however. His effort was questioned after an interaction with his coach.

Did Darryn Peterson try to leave the game?

We’ve seen instances in the past where the guard gives a quick nod to the bench signaling his desire to sub out.

The frequent departures have led to load management accusations with fans and media questioning his buy-in. Is he saving himself for the NBA?

Bill Self has denied the narrative, though he did publicly express his frustration after an 18-minute showing vs. Oklahoma State earlier this month.

The coach’s support has done little to quiet speculation.

On Monday, video of an interesting sequence caught the eye of viewers. Peterson appeared to look over to the bench after hitting a second half three-pointer. Some believed he was again signaling to leave the floor.

Self’s reaction sparked an online response.

Was Darryn Peterson asking to leave the game? Was Bill Self denying that request?

Many assumed that was the conversation given the history of early exits. The fact that Peterson left the game about a minute later only fueled the social media fire.

In this case, however, I’m led to believe this was simply Self coaching his player. He wanted him back on defense, something he failed to do earlier in the night.

Peterson had a defensive lapse.

The mishap came in the first half of a close game. Houston guard Kingston Flemings blew by Peterson for an easy layup in transition.

Peterson’s effort wasn’t great, nor was the communication with teammates. Self didn’t want any more loafing as the Jayhawks built a second half lead.

Defensive effort has been a concern with Peterson at other times throughout the year. He is slow to get back. Injuries and cramping have likely played a role.

Bill Self wanted Peterson in position to defend. He directed his star to quickly move down the court to prevent any easy baskets.

Darryn Peterson’s stint at Kansas has been full of dramatic turns. This is not one of those moments.