UPDATE: The No. 25 Kansas Jayhawks surged to a commanding 77-46 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Tuesday night, despite the surprising absence of star freshman Darryn Peterson. Coach Bill Self confirmed that Peterson, the nation’s top recruit, was sidelined due to a tight hamstring, a precautionary measure taken just before the game.
During a press conference in Lawrence, Self stated, “We didn’t anticipate this but at the end of practice this morning, he said it was tight. So I told him no reason to go.” This decision comes as Peterson had already made a significant impact in his debut, scoring 21 points against Green Bay and 22 points against North Carolina.
The Jayhawks demonstrated resilience, with Kohl Rosario stepping up to score 16 points. His explosive alley-oop dunks and timely three-pointers helped the team overcome early sluggishness, leading them to a 38-18 halftime advantage. Kansas held the Islanders to just 32% shooting, showcasing their defensive prowess while extending their streak to 22 consecutive nonconference home game victories.
Self expressed optimism about Peterson’s return, stating, “I look forward to seeing him practice Thursday, at least we think that’s the case.” Kansas faces Princeton this Saturday, followed by a challenging lineup that includes No. 4 Duke and No. 3 UConn, ramping up the urgency for Peterson’s recovery.
The Jayhawks’ performance was a critical bounce-back after last week’s loss to North Carolina, and Self acknowledged the frustration stemming from Peterson’s unpredictable health. “It’s a long season, guys. He’s too valuable to put out there and create a situation out of something that shouldn’t be a situation,” he added.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Peterson’s condition and the team’s ability to maintain their momentum against tougher opponents. Keep following for the latest updates on the Jayhawks and their key players.