The Darryn Peterson dilemma

Kansas star freshman Darryn Peterson has been making headlines recently, but not for his on-court accomplishments.

The 6-foot-6 guard from Canton, Ohio, has come under fire for his alleged reluctance to stay in basketball games.

Peterson has missed 11 games so far this season and has played fewer than 25 minutes in seven games.

The cited reason for this has been nagging injuries, but many fans and college basketball pundits don’t believe this.

There have been multiple videos online of Peterson apparently asking to be subbed out mid-game.

This issue has even got head coach Bill Self concerned. Self, in an interview, asked the question whether he’s even gotten the chance to really coach Peterson, as his lack of playtime has hurt Self’s chances at being able to really give him pointers on his game.

There’s no questioning Peterson’s talent. He’s averaging 19.5 points per game, 3.8 rebounds and is shooting 40.5% from the three-point line.

Peterson was asked about his availability problem and defended himself, saying that “basketball is his life.”

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was quoted on First Take as saying that Peterson’s “actions speak louder than words,” then went on to list the ailments that have caused Peterson’s absences, notably mentioning cramps and the flu.

Longtime college basketball analyst Dick Vitale even suggested that Kansas and Peterson part ways.

Luckily, in the last two games, he’s been available.

He played 32 minutes in a loss to Cincinnati last Saturday, and then 30 on Monday in a win against No. 5 Houston—a game where Peterson had 14 points and 4 rebounds.

In CBS Sports’ latest NBA mock draft, Peterson would be the number one pick. However, this issue with not playing has raised the question of whether he is worth it.

He is a supremely talented player and was the No. 1-ranked recruit nationally by 247Sports for the 2025 class.

Now, if I were a GM for an NBA team, would I take him?

It’s a lot to think about. On one hand, you get a great player who scores almost effortlessly and can do it from anywhere on the floor.

On the other hand, he’s a player who has been questioned for his reliability and willingness to stay on the floor.

A rebuilding NBA team with the first pick needs that anchor for the franchise to hopefully get them to a winning level, and if there’s a lack of enthusiasm to play from your star, that makes it hard to win and creates plenty of off-the-court distractions.

I think I’d still have to do it, though.

His upside is too positive not take him. Peterson can turn a franchise around, and that possibility is very hard to pass up.

It’s been a wacky season for Kansas and Peterson, but they still find themselves in the thick of the Big 12 standings and have a huge game coming up on Saturday against Arizona.

I just hope that Peterson has found some consistency and can stay on the court; he’s a real fun player to watch.

Evan Pochas is a third-year student studying broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ejp5753@psu.edu.