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Darryn Peterson is showing everyone he can return Kansas to blue-blood status

Incoming freshman Darryn Peterson is expected to be one of the lottery picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. Before that, he could return the Jayhawks to glory.
BySam Fariss|
Darryn Peterson, a Kansas recruit, and his family are recognized before Prolific Prep’s game against St. Vincent-St. Mary in the Scholastic Play-by-Play Classic at Canton Memorial Civic Center.
Darryn Peterson, a Kansas recruit, and his family are recognized before Prolific Prep’s game against St. Vincent-St. Mary in the Scholastic Play-by-Play Classic at Canton Memorial Civic Center. | Kevin Whitlock / Massillon Independent / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It's no secret that Darryn Peterson is one of the most promising young talents in all of college basketball. As the No. 1 overall prospect in the class of 2025, the Jayhawks must have had an unimaginable celebration when he committed to Kansas.

Now, he's on campus in Lawrence and has already started to show the entire country that he has what it takes to return the Kansas Jayhawks to their blue-blood status.

As players and coaches return to the gym for offseason practice sessions and scrimmages, Peterson has already become dominant against his peers. While he is known best for his scoring abilities, the young shooting guard has also shown off talents as a playmaker, elevating his Kansas teammates.

Peterson, who was listed at 6-foot-5 and 195 pounds as a recruit, looks like he has already put on muscle since officially joining the Jayhawks just a few weeks ago. He isn't the only true freshman preparing to leave his mark in Lawrence.

Kansas head coach Bill Self recruited four more blue-chip prospects from the class of 2025 who will look to make an impact as soon as the season begins. Four-star prospect Kohl Rosario is another highlight of the incoming class, after reclassifying to 2025.

Self also brought in three-star shooting guard Corbin Allen and unrated Congolese star Paul Mbiya. Notably, the Jayhawks are also gaining a host of veteran players from the transfer portal, including four-star small forward Tre White, four-star point guard Jayden Dawson, and four-star shooting guard Melvin Council.

Yes, Peterson is the crown jewel of the Kansas men's basketball roster, but it doesn't hurt to have highly talented players surrounding him. Last season, the Jayhawks fell well short of expectations, putting Self's job at risk. This year, Peterson will look to cement Self's place on campus.

In the 2026 NBA Draft, Peterson is projected to be one of the top overall picks, easily finding himself as the No. 1 overall selection if he can meet all of the expectations currently looming overhead.

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