College basketball has had its lens shifted towards Lawrence, Kan., this week as star guard Darryn Peterson has been the talk of the town from many of the nation’s pundits and analysts who have criticized Peterson’s playtime (or lack thereof) on the court.
Peterson has only played in 15 of a possible 26 games so far this season, where the freshman has registered 25+ minutes eight times.
When on the court, Peterson oozes class that sends him to the top of mock drafts and prospect evaluations, with an average of 20 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and a strong 48.5% field goal rate. However, Peterson has dealt with several issues that have kept him off the court, the biggest being cramps, which saw the former five-star check out of Wednesday night’s 81-69 win over Oklahoma State having played just 18 minutes.
When previewing Kansas’ upcoming clash against the Cincinnati Bearcats, head coach Bill Self rebuffed the claims that are “100% false.”
Bill Self responds to national criticism of Darryn Peterson. #KUbball
— Michael Swain (@MSwain247) February 20, 2026
He said Peterson loves basketball and the reasons why he isn't finishing games are not the reasons some are speculating nationally.
Full exchange ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/7BbBeQX74M
Peterson is needed for the Jayhawks finish strong
The Jayhawks currently have just five games left this season, two of which see Kansas play the No. 2 Houston Cougars and the No. 4 Arizona Wildcats. With clashes against the Bearcats, Arizona State, and a rematch of the Sunflower Showdown against archrivals Kansas State on the docket as well.
When Kansas takes on Wes Miller’s Bearcats, the Jayhawks are currently being given an 84.6% chance to win against the 14-12 squad, according to ESPN Analytics, where Peterson is expected to play.
Posted up in Lawrence this weekend for Kansas’ pivotal stretch. Bill Self implied Darryn Peterson will play tomorrow against Cincinnati and said the national outcry that says DP does not finish games because doesn’t love basketball is “hurtful.”
— Isaac Trotter (@Isaac__Trotter) February 20, 2026
“He can’t get enough of ball.” pic.twitter.com/jvMp3dxkof
Cincinnati will be led by 6-foot-11 senior Baba Miller. Miller leads the Bearcats in both points per game (13.7) and rebounds (10.4).
Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. CT with streaming available on CBS.
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