Right now, Darryn Peterson is an easy target, and it's tough to watch. ESPN basically had a car wash of analysts doing hot takes on the superstar freshman, gleefully kicking him while he's done. These opinions ranged anywhere from questioning his toughness to his desire to play basketball. You know the sport he's been committed to his entire life up to this point.
So it comes as no surprise that the "Worldwide Leader in Sports" is going to rub some additional salt in the wound with its updated Freshman of the Year rankings.
"If I were a general manager, I would be extremely concerned about Darryn Peterson. ... His talent is unquestionable. It's elite. But I don't feel like he really wants to be there."
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 19, 2026
—@RealJayWilliams on Peterson's availability this season amid NIL dynamics 👀 pic.twitter.com/qXXf4cu5mk
It is what it is. Peterson is an elite talent and no one can or should argue that. Is the situation with his injuries and inconsistent playing time frustrating to every fan of Kansas and college basketball? Absolutely. Do I believe that Peterson will show up in March when it really counts? Absolutely.
ESPN continues to take shots at Darryn Peterson
Bill Self has been in these situations before. He's dealt with elite talents that have some physical concerns, like Joel Embiid, who had to be more conservative with his minutes and, unfortunately, he still didn't make it to March.
Peterson appears to have the green light to play as much as he wants and when something feels funny, he's going to sit. It's not exactly ideal, but Self understands that Peterson's presence means a heck of a lot more in March than it does right now and if that means sacrificing some spots in the ESPN Freshman of the Year rankings, so be it.
Self wants to win another championship and Peterson is the type of player that can deliver one. Sometimes that means making some sacrifices during the season, maybe conceding a seed spot or two in the Big 12 tournament to make sure his top game is running at full strength for the Big Dance. Whether Peterson is the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft over the summer or not isn't going to be determined in February of the college basketball season. There's no NBA GM listening to Stephen A. Smith, at least not any that wants to keep their job.
So have your fun, ESPN. If the Jayhawks are the last team standing in Indianapolis on April 6 and Darryn Peterson is the Final Four Most Outstanding Player, it will have been well worth the criticism.