In just over 24 hours, the Kansas Jayhawks could notch their third No. 1 pick in NBA Draft history.
Or in just over 24 hours, the Kansas Jayhawks could notch (surprisingly) their first-ever No. 2 pick in NBA Draft history.
This year, that burden lies on the shoulders of Darryn Peterson. Peterson is actively battling it out against fellow Big 12 compatriot AJ Dybantsa.
Now Peterson’s health issues have been well-documented and played into one of college basketball’s biggest storylines throughout the season. It felt like every game was filled with speculation until the final minutes before tipoff on his availability, either through cramping, hamstring tightness, a sprained ankle and flu-like symptoms, all of which played a part in Peterson playing in just 24 games last season.
As the season began to reach its falling action, Peterson was on the court more, having notched 28 or more minutes over Kansas’ last nine games. Peterson’s shooting splits slightly tapered during those games and those who kept a watchful eye on the freshman could tell when he was fully healthy versus not based on his explosiveness during each play.
This gave ample reason for Dybantsa to jump out in front of Peterson in most draft boards, but as the offseason has begun to take shape and draft analysts have compiled their prospect rankings, Peterson has crept back to the top spot according to several outlets.
Peterson makes bold statement with draft nearing
When speaking with reporters today, Peterson was asked about the narrative that has been pushed around his health throughout last season.
With Peterson rarely talking to the media during the season, it became easy for everyone to launch their own narratives, ranging from Peterson’s commitment to the Jayhawks to questions over the long-term health implications of bringing him in, to finally accusations about his love for the game.
By the time the NCAA Tournament entered the frame, the Jayhawk faithful had firmly pushed those out of the way and embraced Peterson, but national pundits still kept their questions.
Two really good questions to Darryn about his health issues with #kubball. Not sure who the reporter was, but great questions.
— Shreyas Laddha (@shre98) June 22, 2026
“ I think they are going to forget about the health stuff a couple years from now because of my game.” pic.twitter.com/1hSHJRbGqE
Peterson acknowledged that there may still be a narrative over him saying, “I think I showed everyone at the combine. They got all my medical and all this stuff, and I'm good now, so there probably still is [a narrative] because I had a year like that, but I'm ready to prove everybody wrong.”
Peterson finished his sole year with the Jayhawks, averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and .6 blocks on a 43.8% field goal rate and a 38.2% mark from beyond the arc. Peterson finished the season with a high of 32 in the Jayhawks’ outstanding 104-100 comeback against the TCU Horned Frogs towards the beginning of conference play.
Peterson was later asked how he would be remembered in a couple of years after his injury-ridden season at KU. “I think they're going to forget about that stuff a couple of years from now because of my game.”
While Dybantsa is without a doubt a talent, Peterson has drawn Hall of Fame comparisons all season long despite his health issues, and it's up to the Wizards, who are set to re-sign multi-time All-Star guard Trae Young, to decide which elite prospect they want and which they will give up to the Utah Jazz.
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