Freshman phenom Darryn Peterson will not play in tonight’s exhibition matchup against Fort Hays State.
In Friday night’s exhibition against Louisville, Peterson scored 24 points, shooting an impressive 6-for-9 from three-point range in the first half. However, during halftime, he reportedly began experiencing severe cramping, which limited him to just two points in the second half.
Tonight, as the Jayhawks prepare for their second exhibition game, Peterson appeared on the court during warmups in street clothes, signaling to the crowd that he won’t be playing.
Bill Self said Peterson hasn't been right since the previous game, and that Elmarko Jackson will start in place of him tonight.
Not to worry, this just means he’ll have extra time to rest before KU’s season opener against Green Bay on Monday, November 3.
Additionally, it gives other players the chance to log more minutes. Nginyu Ngala and Samis Calderon didn’t play in the first exhibition, while Jayden Dawson had limited minutes due to an injury he has now fully recovered from. Incoming freshmen Paul Mbiya and Kohl Rosario could also see more action in this matchup against the in-state school.
Hopefully, this cramping issue won’t linger too far into the season. If it did, it would be a major concern for Bill Self’s team. Peterson is extremely tough and determined, so we can be sure he’ll do everything he can, along with the school’s staff, to make sure it doesn’t persist.
Regardless, tonight’s matchup against FHSU should be a lot of fun to watch.
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