© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The family of Kansas basketball star Darryn Peterson is playing a role in the freshman’s on-court availability, according to head coach Bill Self.
The guard is currently nursing a mysterious injury. His camp refuses to allow him back into the lineup until he’s 100%.
The Jayhawks played against Davidson on Monday night, winning easily 90-61. Peterson did not participate.
Self explained the absence while addressing the media after the game. He says it was a family decision.
“(His family) made a decision, which I don’t disagree with it at all, that they want him to be as close to 100% as possible when he comes back,” the coach said.
“He’s just not quite there yet, but it’s a day-to-day deal. I wish he could have played tonight, but fact the matter is that other guys got some run, and they did well…
“We’re in agreement with the family that he should not play until he feels good. We’re in agreement, but I’m not inside his head or his body. I can’t determine if he feels good enough or not. That’s up to him, but he wants to be out there.”
Bill Self said Darryn Peterson’s family made a decision that he needs to be close to 100% before he plays again. Self said he agrees.
Full clip #KUbball ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/MwuUgsQ86W
— Michael Swain (@MSwain247) December 23, 2025
Who is Darryn Peterson?
Peterson was the top overall recruit in the 2025 high school basketball cycle. He signed with the Jayhawks over USC, Ohio State, and Kansas State, and enrolled this past May.
When on the court this season, he’s been a weapon for the Kansas basketball team. He’s averaged 19.3 points per contest to go along with 3.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
The talented guard is shooting above 52% from the field, and over 42% from beyond the arc. He recorded a career-high 22 points in a loss to North Carolina while tallying 17 points against both Missouri and NC State.
His potential has been on full display. He’s shown why he’s expected to be the No. 1 overall draft pick in the NBA next spring.
Unfortunately, his availability has been minimal. He’s appeared in just four of the team’s 13 games. A mysterious injury is to blame.
It’s been described as a “lingering leg ailment.” The setback has involved cramping and tightness in both his quad and hamstring.
A timeline for return is currently unavailable. His family is managing his playing time with his future in mind.
How will this impact Kansas basketball?
Load management is something often seen in the NBA but not as prevalent at the college level. Essentially, it involves resting players to ensure optimal health for the season’s biggest moments.
For Kansas, those moments would include Big 12 play and the postseason.
Darryn Peterson did not want to risk further injury in the non-conference slate. He wants to be as close to 100% before returning for the Jayhawks’ most important matchups.
That decision could go one of two ways for the squad.
Kansas could weather the storm in Peterson’s absence to position itself for the postseason. The team has done so to this point, going 7-2 without the guard in the lineup. His return would, in theory, get the Jayhawks back to full strength for a March Madness run.
Or, the drama could create a divide. Should Kansas struggle early in conference play without its best player, Peterson’s status would be magnified. His commitment could be questioned.
The Jayhawks will look to avoid the latter while hoping Peterson can return to 100% in the very near future. He’ll have a little over a week to rest before the team starts Big 12 action.
Kansas faces UCF on the road after the New Year.