For the No. 11 Kansas Jayhawks, a trip through the gauntlet Big 12 was always going to be a difficult one to get through unscathed, and things could not have gotten off to a rockier start when the Jayhawks stumbled out of the blocks to a 1-2 conference record.
It didn’t help that, looming over the confines of Allen Fieldhouse, the Jayhawks were dealt several injuries to their star guard and potential top-pick Darryn Peterson. Peterson had dealt with an ankle sprain in Kansas’ 75-69 win over Colorado, hamstring tightness, and an ever-present cramping issue.
However, not only has the Jayhawks’ form fully turned around with a seven-game winning streak, but Peterson’s health has mostly improved during that stretch, leading the former No. 1 player in the nation to play 30+ minutes in two straight games.
Notable stat: #KUbball guard Darryn Peterson played more minutes (34) than anyone in the KU lineup... https://t.co/v2YBur9zFI
— Matt Tait (@mctait) February 7, 2026
While Peterson’s 5-12 mark from the field in Kansas’ 71-59 win over Utah will never go down as a banner day for the freshman, players naturally go through their peaks and valleys, and the consensus is that a healthy Peterson is a requisite for the best KU team possible.
Peterson’s cramping issues have not been an issue as of late
When speaking with the media following the Jayhawks’ latest win, head coach Bill Self relayed positive news about Peterson’s health. “He's not having them [cramps], I haven't been told anything that he's had anything the last two games,” quoted the two-time national championship winner.
How much can you bank on Peterson’s health?
While each of the last two games for Peterson has seen him fly around the court with ease, there will always be a lingering sense of fear anytime there are substitutions that involve No. 22 checking out of the game. Cameras often pan to the bench with the game's respective commentators speculating whether or not Peterson is dealing with anything serious or simply getting rest.
That is not something that is going to change for Peterson until he leaves for the NBA, but for those donning their KU-trimmed uniforms, the news that Peterson is healthy right now is a reprieve across Lawrence.
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