Darryn Peterson has finally made it.
It was an arduous single season with the Kansas Jayhawks as health issues plagued what should have been an All-American campaign from the nation’s No. 1 high school recruit. But all that is firmly in the past now, as Peterson is the newest member of the Utah Jazz, going to the Western Conference side with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Kansas Jayhawk. Utah Jazz.@Darryn_P1 x @utahjazz pic.twitter.com/zHBLHPZi7h
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) June 24, 2026
Peterson finished his one and only season with the Jayhawks averaging a strong 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals, all while shooting on a strong 43.8% field goal rate, which included a stellar 38.2% mark from beyond the arc.
Of course, Peterson’s health issues played a role in why the freshman played in just 24 games, but those who got to see a healthy Peterson got to see one of the game's most exciting prospects it has seen in a very long time
Peterson and his family were overwhelmed with emotion following dream come true
Following Peterson’s selection, the new NBA star and his family spoke with ESPN over the moment.
“He was just happy. He didn't even say much. He was just happy for me,” quoted Peterson when asked about his hug with his grandfather.
Peterson was then asked if he always believed he could achieve an honor as surreal as being one of the top picks in the NBA draft.
“Honestly, I didn't, but my pops always knew. And once I got older, I started to believe it as well, but all of it paid off.”
At Kansas, Peterson repped No. 22 on the back of his jersey in honor of his Darryl Peterson II. Darryl spoke on the meaning of having his son wear his number.
“It means a lot. It shows how much he believes and respects me as a dad, and he just embraced it. It’s just a blessing.”
Finally, Darryn’s mother, Natatia, gave a brief statement on what seeing her son do means to her.
“I'm just happy to be here and to be a part of his journey.”
Chasing dreams⚡️ pic.twitter.com/aLOGEclXEe
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) June 24, 2026
Peterson now walks into a playoff-ready franchise
Heading into Tuesday night, the Jazz were one piece away from truly competing for the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season. In that season, they got bounced after just one round under former head coach Quin Snyder. Now that Peterson is set to join, Utah has all the momentum they need to get into the playoff conversation, even if it comes in a talent-laden conference.
Last season, the Jazz ranked No. 30th in points allowed per game, last season with 126 given up on average; however, with Peterson, not only are you getting a certified scorer, but you are also landing an extremely intelligent defender with room to grow. With Peterson at full health last season, you often saw him reach for impressive blocks out of nowhere, along with a savvy ability to create steals and to get opportunities in transition, something Utah fans should get ready to see a lot of.
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