Darryn Peterson uncertain about NBA future after complicated Kansas season
Darryn Peterson remains evasive about the NBA draft despite his status as the number 1 prospect. The Kansas guard experienced a difficult year marked by injuries and mental health issues.
Photo Credit : © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Darryn Peterson’s adventure at Kansas seems to be coming to an end, but the player remains cautious about his intentions for the NBA draft. Despite his status as a potential first overall pick candidate, the guard has not confirmed his plans following the Jayhawks’ early elimination from the NCAA tournament.
A season disrupted by injuries and personal problems
Kansas was eliminated in the second round of the NCAA tournament by St. John’s on Sunday, on a buzzer-beater by Dylan Darling. Asked about his season with the Jayhawks, Peterson surprised by stating: « I’m not sure this is my last season. I still need to talk with my family. I don’t know what next year holds for me. »
This uncertainty may seem surprising for a player considered a top 3 draft candidate, alongside Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa. However, Peterson experienced a particularly difficult season, missing 11 games out of 35 possible due to various injuries and health issues.
The guard was absent due to a hamstring strain, cramps, and illnesses. But Peterson revealed that mental factors also played a role: « I was injured for most of the season. Not physically injured, but there were mental issues. I wasn’t really myself until the end of the year. What people saw in these last games, that’s really me. »
How will Darryn Peterson’s rollercoaster year at Kansas affect his draft stock? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/UlOfJHO0DU
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 23, 2026
A promising return to form late in the season
Peterson recently explained experiencing a « traumatic experience » after being hospitalized for IV fluids following generalized cramps, which left psychological aftereffects according to The Athletic.
Despite his repeated absences and limited minutes, Peterson finished as the Jayhawks’ leading scorer with 20.2 points per game. In his last nine games, he played at least 30 minutes on seven occasions, finally showing his true potential to fans and NBA scouts.
Peterson’s future therefore remains uncertain, even though declaring for the draft still seems the most likely option. His coach Bill Self is also going through a period of uncertainty, having himself mentioned health problems this season after hospitalization for dehydration and atrial fibrillation in January.
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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