There were a lot of highs and lows to Darryn Peterson's game against Texas Tech. The star freshman played the most minutes he had all season, seeing the court for 35 total minutes. In a season marred by injuries, this is something head coach Bill Self and Kansas fans everywhere hope to see more of.
Peterson also hit both the game-tying and the ultimate game-winning shot for the Jayhawks to take down No. 13 Texas Tech for KU's second-ranked win in a row. Even after a tough night shooting for Peterson, he made the shots that mattered most, and Self certainly isn't letting that go unnoticed.
"That first 3 that DP made - wow," Self said on his post-game radio show.
Bill Self on postgame radio: "That first 3 that DP made - wow."
— Sam Lance (@slancehoops) February 3, 2026
He proceeded to talk about how he struggled for most of the night.
"But gosh dang, with the game on the line, those last two plays that he made, that's stuff you talk about for years to come." #kubball
Peterson's first 3-pointer to tie the game against the Red Raiders was one that people will be studying for a while. The Jayhawks called a flare screen play, where Peterson runs off one screen, turns around, and runs off that same screen and gets him open in the corner.
When Peterson got the ball, the help defense was there, and he could have dumped the ball off into the paint for what would have been an easy bucket, but instead took the contested shot. It wasn't an easy shot as Peterson had a hand in his face, but when the ball went in, it felt like something was brewing for the Jayhawks.
For a young player who is so used to succeeding in his shooting all season, to have a rough night as he did against Texas Tech and pull it together for those final two shots is something that isn't taught. Self acknowledged Peterson's struggled through the night, but in the end, he made the plays that mattered.
"But gosh dang, with the game on the line, those last two plays that he made, that's stuff you talk about for years to come." Self said.
Peterson, even though this is most likely his lone season at Kansas, will be a player that fans will talk about for years. While many wish he could stay in Lawrence a little longer, he certainly has a bright future ahead in the NBA.