Kansas Jayhawks Face Critical Stretch Without Star Freshman Darryn Peterson
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Kansas is navigating a challenging start to the college basketball season,underscored by a 78-66 loss to No. 5 Duke on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. The Jayhawks’ struggles are acutely felt with the absence of star freshman Darryn Peterson, sidelined for the third consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. The team’s reliance on Peterson is undeniable, with coach Bill Self stating, “We’re a makeshift team right now.”
Peterson’s Absence Looms Large
The impact of Peterson’s injury was evident against Duke. Without his ability to penetrate the paint and disrupt opposing defenses, Kansas found itself increasingly vulnerable.”Without Peterson to get into the paint and force Duke into some more honest defense, it was only a matter of time before the Blue Devils found separation,” a senior official stated. Duke ultimately closed the game on an 11-2 run in the final 4:40, highlighting the offensive limitations without their key playmaker.
The timing of the injury is especially unfortunate, preventing a highly anticipated matchup between Peterson and Duke’s cameron Boozer, projected as potential top two picks in the 2026 NBA draft. Boozer delivered a strong performance with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, showcasing his natural talent. Duke’s victory leveled the series between the two programs at 9-6 in the 15-year history of the Champions Classic, and ended Kansas’ five-game winning streak in the event.
Jayhawks Rely on Transfers and Sophomores
Despite Peterson’s absence, Kansas received notable contributions from its supporting cast.Illinois transfer tre White led the team with 22 points and nine rebounds, while St. Bonaventure transfer Melvin Council Jr. added 15 points and six rebounds. Sophomore big man Flory Bidunga also contributed with 14 points and six rebounds. However, these efforts weren’t enough to overcome Duke’s superior firepower and experience.
Recovery Timeline and Vegas Tournament
Coach Self expressed cautious optimism regarding Peterson’s recovery, noting the hamstring tightness is caused by a slight strain. “He’s had hamstring tightness, which is caused by a slight hamstring strain, so until that subsides, he’s not going to be confirmed to play on it, push off and those sorts of things, which has been going on a fairly notable amount of time,” Self explained. He anticipates a return “not long” from now, but ruled out Peterson playing in all three games at the players Era Festival in Las Vegas next week.
“He’ll be evaluated again Thursday or Friday,” Self told CBS Sports, adding, “there’s no chance Peterson could or would play three games in Vegas, even if he is cleared to play in time for next week.” The team will face Notre Dame and Syracuse, with their Wednesday opponent determined by the results of the first two games.
A Grueling Schedule Ahead
Kansas faces a demanding schedule, with seven consecutive games against high-major opponents, including matchups against Connecticut and NC State. This stretch represents the longest of its kind in college basketball this season. The Jayhawks’ current record stands at 3-2, their worst start as 2011, and a loss in the Champions Classic likely means they will fall out of the AP rankings.
According to one analyst, Kansas’ success this season is inextricably linked to Peterson’s health. “Kansas’ hopes for this season almost entirely rely on No. 22,” they stated.The team will need a strong showing in Las Vegas,aiming to win at least two of three games to stabilize their position. For the Jayhawks, a return to form – and the return of Darryn Peterson – can’t come soon enough.
