UPDATE: Kansas star freshman Darryn Peterson will miss the upcoming Players Era Festival in Las Vegas due to a hamstring strain, as confirmed by coach Bill Self on Friday. This urgent development means Peterson will be sidelined for crucial matchups against Notre Dame and Syracuse, as well as a third opponent yet to be determined, all scheduled from Monday to Wednesday next week.
“We’re not going to have Darryn in Vegas,” Self stated to reporters. “Although, we have reevaluated, and he’s right there close. But he hasn’t quite done enough to put him in position to go out and play multiple games in a short span like that.” The absence of this talented player is significant for the No. 24 Jayhawks, who will feel the impact as they compete against strong opponents.
Peterson has not played since a November 7 loss to North Carolina, which extends his total games missed to six. His return will be eagerly anticipated, with the Jayhawks’ next game set for December 2 against No. 3 UConn. The 6-foot-6 guard averaged an impressive 21.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in his first two games, making his absence even more impactful.
Currently ranked as the No. 2 recruit in the SC NEXT 100 for the 2025 high school class, Peterson is also touted as the projected No. 1 pick in ESPN’s latest 2026 NBA mock draft. His potential and performance have made him a key player to watch, and his injury raises concerns about the Jayhawks’ chances in the upcoming festival and beyond.
As the team prepares for their matches in Las Vegas, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring Peterson’s recovery. His progress in running and cutting during the festival will be critical, with hopes that he will be ready to return by the December showdown against UConn.
Stay tuned for further updates on Peterson’s status and the Jayhawks’ performance as they navigate these challenging games without their star player.
