UPDATE: Kansas basketball star Darryn Peterson will miss another critical game due to a persistent hamstring injury, as confirmed by coach Bill Self on Friday. The No. 25 Kansas Jayhawks are set to face Princeton this Saturday without their top-ranked recruit, who is also a contender for the No. 1 pick in next year’s NBA draft.
Peterson, who previously missed Tuesday’s decisive 77-46 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, sustained the injury during a shootaround earlier in the week. While Self noted that the coaching staff does not view the injury as a long-term concern, the situation remains fluid. “For whatever reason it’s still sore, and we’re trying to figure it out,” Self stated. “As long as it’s still this sore, there’s no reason to put him out there yet.”
The immediate implications for Kansas are significant. Peterson has already demonstrated his scoring prowess, having tallied 21 points in his debut against Green Bay and adding 22 points against North Carolina. The Jayhawks face a challenging schedule ahead, with a highly anticipated matchup against No. 4 Duke on Tuesday, November 14, in the Champions Classic, followed by games against Notre Dame and Syracuse in Las Vegas.
Peterson’s absence raises questions about his availability for these high-profile clashes. Kansas also has a home game against third-ranked UConn on December 2, along with upcoming contests against Missouri and N.C. State before the start of Big 12 play.
Self expressed cautious optimism regarding Peterson’s timeline. “Right now, a couple of days, I’m not concerned,” he said. However, he acknowledged, “He practiced the day of our game on Tuesday, but it just feels tight.”
As fans await further updates, the Jayhawks will have to rally without their standout player. This developing story highlights not only Peterson’s potential impact on the season but also the critical games that lie ahead for Kansas. Stay tuned for updates as the situation evolves.