After the Kansas Jayhawks’ offense struggled against Iowa State in their last game, Darryn Peterson and Co. came out of the gates on fire on Wednesday night against Oklahoma State. Unfortunately, the improved offense is not the big storyline following the game, but instead how Peterson was unable to finish the game yet again.
KU’s freshman phenom was superb early in the game, recording 13 points before the first TV timeout of the game. He added 7 additional points later in the half to bring his first half scoring total up to a very impressive mark of 20. Sadly, he was only to play a couple of minutes in the 2nd half before seemingly pulling himself from the game.
This occurred after Peterson connected on his 6th three-pointer of the game, notably one in which he did not get much lift off the ground. He immediately signaled to Coach Self indicating that he needed a sub. Self confirmed following the game that it was indeed cramps that kept him out of the remainder of the game, which KU won 81-69.
Bill Self: Unfortunately, this could have been a big night for [Darryn], and he cramped.
— Mike Vernon (@M_Vernon) February 19, 2026
The halftime break seems to continually contribute to Peterson’s cramping, as he has left numerous games just 2-4 minutes into the 2nd half. The long stoppage in play typically allows players to rest up and feel refreshed coming out of the break, but it feels like the opposite for the 19-year-old guard.
Kansas being up by double-digits for essentially the entire game may have been a factor in Peterson not returning, but that will not stop the frustrations from fans and Coach Self alike, who thought the freshman sensation had gotten past this issue.
KU fans should still not feel any worse about their long-term outlook
While Peterson’s season has been a whirlwind filled with missed games and halves due to a hamstring injury, flu-like symptoms, and repeated cramping issues, not all hope is lost. He proved yet again that when healthy and available, he is one of the best players in the entire nation.
The beginning of this game against Oklahoma State was a masterpiece and he’s also proven in previous games that he can be a superstar in clutch time as well, such as his closing performance against Texas Tech on the road. Can Kansas fans expect Peterson to not cramp and be available come March Madness though?
The short answer is no… but that is not any different than what fans have felt all season. After the game against UCF where he only played 23 minutes, he followed up that game with games of 32 and 31 minutes played. After not being able to close against BYU and playing just 20 minutes, he played 35 and 34 minutes in the next two games.
The uncertainty is brutal, but the upside of Kansas with a healthy Peterson is indisputably a Final Four-caliber team. Regardless, even Coach Self’s concern about his availability appears to be reaching its apex, with him saying that come March something like Peterson’s cramping could derail not only a game, but a season.
Kansas now heads back to Lawrence to face off with Cincinnati first on Saturday before welcoming Houston into Allen Fieldhouse on Big Monday. Hopefully Peterson will be able to close out both games as needed. Rock Chalk!