The No. 22 Kansas Jayhawks are just hours off of one of the most thrilling comebacks Allen Fieldhouse has ever seen. There are several on-court storylines one can delve into, and each story has its own rabbit hole from Kansas’ Tuesday night 104-100 win over TCU.
Yet, the play of Darryn Peterson was where the cameras were all game long. Peterson, of course, has endured a tense start to his freshman season, where the former five-star has only seen six games this season. While Peterson’s stats have been tremendous, which include 22.5 points on 50% field goal rate, his injuries have left several questions over what is the best course of action for the freshman.
Against the Horned Frogs, Peterson totaled 32 points in 32 minutes with an 8-18 mark from the field, and 13 points from the stripe. While the 44.4% mark from the field will not go down as Peterson’s hottest night in a KU uniform, Peterson was able to unlock a new facet in the freshman’s game
“He shot it poor, you know, so the best thing he did tonight was get downhill,” quoted Self late Tuesday.
“And he hasn't done that [thanks to his injuries]…But the bottom line is, you saw what his legs looked like when he can get downhill, as opposed to just settling for jump shots, which, that's all he's done up until tonight.”
If Kansas can keep Peterson healthy and allow him to grow in getting to the basket, then that would be two Kansas guards who excel at attacking the hoop, with the other being Melvin Council Jr. Council has shown in his short career under Self that his ability to find tight lanes on the way to the basket is second to none.
Kansas could use the inside help for several reasons. The first being that Kansas will be able to draw fouls at a much higher rate, as Kansas attempts just 20.3 free throws per game, which ranks 203rd-best in the country.
To further emphasize how much Kansas needs improved scoring inside the arc, Self’s squad sits 118th in the nation with a 53.7% two-point field goal rate.
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