Tomorrow, the 6-2 Kansas Jayhawks will take on the No. 5 UConn Huskies. As it stands, BetMGM has the odds near even. Kansas is a narrow 1.5-point underdog, pointing to just how close this matchup may play out. Probably the biggest situation waiting to play out is whether or not Kansas fans will be able to see Darryn Peterson.
Minutes ago, Kansas head coach Bill Self spoke about the five-star's availability, and it did not offer much relief to Jayhawk fans hoping to see Peterson healthy.
NEW: Bill Self said Darryn Peterson has practiced and has gone up and down.
— Michael Swain (@MSwain247) December 1, 2025
Self said there will be no formal answer on Peterson until tomorrow morning. He has to pass a final test from doctors to be available. #KUbball
With Peterson, this could continue his lengthy absence. Peterson has not hit the hardwood since November 7th, an 87-74 loss to the No. 16 UNC Tar Heels. Kansas fans have been able to see strong glimpses of his ability. Against both the Tar Heels and Green Bay, Peterson delivered. In 22 minutes against the Phoenix in what was a 94-51 win for Kansas, Peterson totaled 21 points on 7-11 shooting, with four rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block, and one turnover.
Against the Tar Heels, in 28 minutes, Peterson notched a further 22 points on an 8-14 clip, with three rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block, and three turnovers.
Battle of the Fast & Fearless: Kansas Jayhawks vs UConn Huskies matchup significance
Yet Peterson’s hamstring injury caused him to miss the next six matchups. The Jayhawks initially started the season with a 3-2 record after a 78-66 loss to the No. 4 Duke Blue Devils, but soon saw an improved run of form, including a massive undefeated streak in Las Vegas, Nevada for the Players Era which saw the Jayhawks take down back-to-back ACC teams in Syracuse with a 71-61 win and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with a 71-60 win, before eventually taking third place after an 81-76 comeback victory against the No. 17 Tennessee Volunteers.
Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. CT on ESPN 2.
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