Sports

Did Darryn Peterson’s Dad Take Veiled Jab At Kansas? Cryptic Post Surfaces After Bill Self’s Criticism

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by Last Updated
Darryn Peterson / Kansas Jayhawks

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Darryn Peterson’s dad added to the drama surrounding his son and the Kansas basketball program this season. Darryl Peterson II posted a cryptic message to Instagram referencing his son’s future.

Many viewed it as a subtle jab at the Jayhawks. The post surfaced just days after Bill Self expressed frustration with his star player.

Peterson’s saga in Lawrence has been well-documented. When on the court, he’s the best freshman in the nation. His availability, however, has been sporadic.

The guard has missed 11 games with injury or illness. In the 16 contests he has appeared in, he’s averaged 27 minutes on the floor.

In a number of cases, Peterson’s started games, gone off with huge numbers, then been removed from the lineup to sit out the second half.

The situation has led to rumors of load management. Self admitted that the family was influencing playing status. Peterson’s agent appears to be heavily involved in decision-making, too.

Self had previously defended his top player amid controversy. He shot down false narratives while confirming the legitimacy of Peterson’s setbacks.

Last week, something changed.

Bill Self was frustrated with Darryn Peterson.

“We’ve had this happen more than a couple of times,” said Self when asked about Peterson’s status following a win against Oklahoma State. “I didn’t anticipate that tonight at all.

“I thought he was good to go. We only got 18 minutes out of him. That’s disappointing, because he could’ve had a really big night.”

Peterson played 18 minutes. He scored 23 points. He removed himself from the game with 17 minutes left in regulation and did not return.

This, as Bill self mentioned, has happened on numerous occasions. Peterson leads the team at 19.8 points per game. He ranks Top 3 in the nation in points per minute. He simply cannot stay on the court.

His early exit against the Cowboys came days after a matchup with Iowa State in which he played just 24 minutes.

Self expected Peterson to play a larger role. He believed he was finally at 100%. He was upset with being blindsided by another early departure.

The coach’s response was the first public criticism of Darryn Peterson. That timing created speculation surrounding a recent Instagram post.

Darryn Peterson’s dad got cryptic.

Darryn Peterson's dad gets cryptic on Instagram

Darryl Peterson II / Instagram


Darryl Peterson II posted a photo to his Instagram story with a message that read, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.”

What does it mean?

At face value, it would seem a direct contradiction to how Peterson’s season has gone to this point. He has not finished the majority of Kansas’s basketball games this year. A photo of his son on the bench only provided more irony.

Reading between the lines, however, it could be viewed as a jab at the Jayhawks.

Darryn Peterson is not in a Kansas uniform. Instead, he’s donning a McDonald’s All-America Game jersey.

Peterson doesn’t need the Jayhawks. What happens at Kansas, in the grand scheme of things, is irrelevant. He will be selected at the top of the 2026 draft. His father may be voicing that fact to critics.

The “start” may have been a season of drama, but the “finish” is still tied to becoming the No. 1 pick. The ultimate goal has always been the NBA.

Is the family ready for this one-year marriage to end?

You’d have to ask Darryl Peterson. The timing is certainly curious given Bill Self’s criticism, but maybe the intent is quite the opposite.

Without digging too deep, you could also consider this a positive on his outlook with March approaching. This may be a sign he’s at full strength as the season comes to a close.

Peterson did play 32 minutes in his most recent outing vs. Cincinnati. The Jayhawks hope to see more of the same as the postseason nears.