While the college basketball season still has several weeks to go, many Kansas Jayhawks fans are ready to move on from the current roster. Bill Self’s squad is trending toward the worst NCAA Tournament seeding and overall record in his tenure.
Thankfully, the Jayhawk faithful have reason to be optimistic, as reinforcements are on the way. KU is expected to return key pieces like Elmarko Jackson and Jamari McDowell, along with potential veterans Rylan Griffen and David Coit. Meanwhile, one of the program’s top high school commits ever, Darryn Peterson, has been dominating his senior year — so much so that he’s caught the attention of Dru Joyce II, the former coach of NBA superstar LeBron James.
“He’s the best since LeBron," Joyce boldly proclaimed. "I’ve seen a whole lot of them. I had a couple that have gone on and played in the league, too, like Malaki [Branham]. Malaki is great, but Darryn is the best that I’ve seen since LeBron,” the coach shared."
Who's the GREATEST high school basketball player since LeBron James?
— Brad Bournival (@bbournival) February 19, 2025
St. Vincent-St. Mary coach Dru Joyce says it's Canton native Darryn Peterson.
Read here, FREE!@PBPCLASSICS @beaconjournal @AkronEcho @PetersonDarryn @KingJames https://t.co/5Zg3QnzmZG
Darryn Peterson dubbed best HS prospect since LeBron James
Joyce made the comments after St. Vincent-St. Mary fell 92-69 to Peterson's squad on Feb. 18. He coached LeBron in his junior and senior years, and his son is currently the head coach of Duquesne. Receiving such high praise from a coach who witnessed the growth of one of the game’s greatest players ever is an incredible feat.
Peterson is not even the No. 1 recruit in his own high school class. In the current 247 Sports rankings, BYU pledge AJ Dybantsa is the top-rated recruit. However, Peterson and Prolific Prep have outdueled Dybantsa twice this season, most notably when the future KU guard 58 points in an outstanding performance.
ESPN echoed Joyce's sentiment in its most recent mock draft, listing Peterson as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. He will almost certainly be a one-and-done player.
Peterson undoubtedly ranks among the most skilled newcomers Coach Self has brought in. He could single-handedly restore KU basketball to its previous level before the past two campaigns.