Ever since the final buzzer rang across Allen Fieldhouse after No. 17 Kansas’ dominant 90-61 win over the Davidson Wildcats, beyond the buzz of the holiday season and incoming new year, there was a lingering question above Lawrence, Kansas, “when were we going to see Darryn Peterson play?’
Minutes ago in Self’s presser previewing theJayhawks’ first Big 12 matchup of the season against UCF on Saturday, the Kansas head coach gave Kansas fans an answer that felt like a late Christmas present.
Darryn Peterson continues to practice. Self said he is looking more explosive.
— Michael Swain (@MSwain247) January 1, 2026
Self: "Unless something unforeseen happens, we should have our full complement of guys."
After having last seen the court in nearly a month, Kansas is set to get Peterson back ahead of conference play.
The Big 12 has properly been lauded as the nation’s best conference as it is stockpiled with talent that includes six teams inside the top-17 of the AP Poll, and a further seven inside KenPom’s top-30. And while the stat lines have often able to combine to make up for the missing Peterson, it would greatly help a Kansas offense that scores just 75.8 points per game to get Peterson back into the fold.
Against the Wildcats, Kansas notched a monster 51 points, the most in a single half since Kansas scored 52 in the first half against Oklahoma State in a blowout 96-64 in February.
In his limited minutes, Peterson has averaged 19.3 points per game, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on a 52.8% field goal rate.
Fans can now eagerly await Kansas’ conference opener against the Golden Knights, with the tipoff scheduled for 1 p.m. CT and streaming available on Peacock.
Make sure to bookmark Through the Phog and follow us on X and Facebook with the username @Throughthephog