The No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks have done a great job of swinging momentum back into their favor. After a 1-2 start in conference play, the Jayhawks have churned out three wins in a row, each stacking onto the optimism for the next.
However, the first hiccup in this newfound hot streak may have just arrived, as in Kansas’ 75-69 win over Colorado earlier this week, star guard Darryn Peterson sprained his ankle, leaving concern for Kansas’ next matchup, a Sunflower Showdown against the Kansas State Wildcats.
Bill Self doesn’t know “if he will play”
Earlier today, in front of the media, head coach Bill Self spoke with the media in a preview of Saturday’s clash.
Bill Self said he doesn't know if Darryn Peterson will be able to play against K-State. He has a sprained ankle. He is getting treatment for it. #KUbball
— Michael Swain (@MSwain247) January 22, 2026
Peterson has endured a stop-and-start career thus far, having dealt with hamstring issues and cramping for so much of the season, having played in 10 of Kansas' 21 games. It looked in recent weeks as if he was returning to full health, and his performances had shown that, as Peterson has averaged 23 points per game since the start of the month.
Another complicated decision for the Kansas Jayhawks
If there is any silver lining to come from this, the Wildcats have struggled massively this season as they hold a 10-9 record, which just saw a five-game losing streak halted thanks to an 81-78 win over the Utah Utes.
ESPN analytics give further reason to be confident, as they give the Jayhawks a 72.3% chance of winning, which should point to the fact that Kansas may not need Peterson. This is a hard pill to swallow. Peterson was meant for games like this, but with a conference as strong as the Big 12, the chance of Peterson getting injured even worse and missing out on further time is not worth a game where Kansas should be able to win with or without Peterson.
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