NBA Draft: Darryn Peterson Amid Rough Stretch for Kansas

All season long, Kansas guard Darryn Peterson has been penciled in as the potential No. 1 pick, even in a 2026 draft class that’s believed to have as many as three No. 1-level prospects.

On night’s where he’s on, it’s easy to envision NBA stardom or even superstardom, hitting smooth 3-pointers at 6-foot-5, making the game look effortless on both ends.

Problem being, those nights have been few and far between for several weeks now.

Since subbing himself out against Oklahoma State, Peterson has now played 30-plus minutes in four-straight games. Though his efficiency and play in totality has taken a hit, the worst being his Tuesday-night outing against Arizona State.

The Sun Devils are far from the best opponent Kansas has played in an all-time Big 12 conference this season, but the Jayhawks still misstepped, losing 70-60. Peterson himself was certainly a part of that, shooting just 3-for-18 overall, though he added 10 rebounds, four assists to three turnovers and five steals.