Beyond the box score: What watching Darryn Peterson's debut live revealed

Kansas Jayhawk fans from around the world knew that Darryn Peterson would be a one-and-done in Lawrence. Despite an incredibly fun theoretical KU dream lineup that could have come to fruition if Peterson had returned to college, he is proving exactly why he belongs in the NBA already in the NBA Summer League. The indicators go far beyond the box score, however.

At the Salt Lake City Summer League on the 4th of July, fans poured in to see players like Cam Boozer, Aday Mara, Bennett Stirtz, Kingston Flemmings, and, of course, Peterson, the #2 overall draft pick from this year. The future Jazz superstar had a mostly positive performance, recording a game-high 28 points on 11/21 shooting, but also had eight turnovers, four fouls, and inept defense at times.

Peterson certainly showcased the top-end talent that he possesses, but there are a ton of details that could only be noticed watching live in Salt Lake City. Luckily, Through the Phog had just that on Saturday afternoon, as I got to watch the impact of KU’s highest drafted player since Andrew Wiggins in 2014. It began in the pre-game warm-ups:

On TV, fans don’t get to tune into the shootaround before tip-off to see just how elite Peterson’s shooting ability is when he isn’t being contested by a defender. In this case, the 6’6” rookie shot an incredible 26/38 (68.4%) from the field and 3/5 (60.0%) from beyond the arc. Mixed in there, there were some other basketballs getting in the way of his shots, but it was beautiful to watch regardless.

Peterson isn't just a basketball fit for the Jazz… He's a culture enhancer

Walking into the Huntsman Center, Jazz fans were already locked and loaded with #22 jerseys featuring Peterson’s name. There was even a #22 Filipowski jersey that had Peterson’s name duct-taped over “Filipowski”, thanks to the big man giving up his number for Peterson following the draft. There were also several jersey lines with eager fans purchasing their first DP jersey.

By the time fans were exiting the Summer League win hours later, the Peterson jersey looked to be the 3rd most popular jersey worn, trailing in volume to just the Lauri Markkanen and John Stockton jerseys. While there were definitely some Karl Malone, Keyonte George, and Ace Bailey jerseys too, they paled in comparison to the #22 Peterson wave.

During the game, the Utah love of Peterson was on full display as well. Cheers rang throughout the arena the instant he touched the basketball during the first quarter (where he also scored the game’s first basket, pulled down the first rebound, and recorded the first block). During the second quarter, there were even “M-V-P” chants in the crowd as he was shooting a free throw.

Peterson and Cody Williams helped carry the Jazz to an exciting 103-102 win in overtime and the duo were seen chatting on the bench routinely when the substitutes were in. There seems to be a great relationship forming there on and off the court, which is exciting as well since both players should have a key role this year in Utah.

The Jayhawks are used to winning seasons, but the Jazz will be looking for their first winning season since 2022. Luckily for them, Peterson represents the start of a new era and KU fans are excited to follow him in the NBA as well. Rock Chalk!

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