Darryn Peterson reassures Jayhawk fans amid Kansas basketball's roster upheaval

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Mar 12, 2022; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self smiles in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-Imagn Images
Mar 12, 2022; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self smiles in the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-Imagn Images | Amy Kontras-Imagn Images

Every Kansas basketball fan knew that the 2025-26 Jayhawks roster would rely heavily on high school phenom Darryn Peterson. The No. 2 player in his class, Peterson is the most highly touted player to commit to Bill Self and Co. since Andrew Wiggins over a decade ago.

However, that has become more and more evident amid Kansas' drastic roster changes in the past week. Five players have already entered the transfer portal, including projected starter Flory Bidunga, who Peterson named as the player he was most excited to take the floor with.

Concern began to grow around the fanbase regarding Peterson's status for next year due to KU's roster trouble. During the McDonald’s All-American Media Day, Self asked him if he was worried about the recent burst of portal entries, and the incoming freshman assured the Hall of Famer that he wasn't.

"[Coach Self] asked, 'Are you worried?' I said, 'No.' He said, 'You better not be.'"

The potential No. 1 pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, Peterson needs to be in an optimal situation where he can thrive. His faith in the program is very encouraging.

Self is no stranger to constructing rosters from scratch, and the Jayhawks will undoubtedly add a handful of transfers throughout the offseason. Time will tell what KU's team will look like six months from now, but Peterson seems to be a firm believer that Kansas will figure it out.

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