Freshman Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball player Darryn Peterson missed seven games with a hamstring strain, but it doesn’t seem to have affected his NBA Draft projections.
He’s still projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft, according to many (or even most) evaluators.
Here’s what CBS writer Kyle Boone wrote about Peterson in his latest mock draft.
“A nagging hamstring injury has limited Peterson to just two appearances this season for Kansas and his time missed is approaching one full month. However, when healthy, Peterson’s ability to dictate terms as a lead guard and elevate talent around him makes him the frontrunner to go No. 1,” Boone wrote.
It’s hard to argue with that logic. When Peterson has played, he’s looked like a special talent. He returned to action vs. Missouri on Sunday. He scored 17 points with three rebounds in just 23 minutes, despite dealing with an illness.
With that, it’s time for another Kansas Jayhawks Q&A. Thanks, as always, for the questions ...
Do we expect kohl to play behind Marko and Mari now? Seems he may have the most upside but still finding his role. @lw109824
I agree with the sentiment that Kohl Rosario has the most upside, but I don’t think the game has slowed down for him yet.
That’s why he’s ceding minutes to Elmarko Jackson and Jamari McDowell. McDowell in particular is providing something that KU desperately needs — shooting. Rosario was supposed to provide that, but the shots have just not fallen for him.
I think Rosario will experience a resurgence in the coming months, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays fewer minutes than both McDowell and Jackson as the 2025-26 season continues. Both players have played under Self longer and are delivering what KU needs.
Until Rosario can, too, there’s no reason to play him over Jackson or McDowell.
What would benefit KU’s offense more, improving its 3-point shooting percentage, or its free throw rate per game? @jayhawk4life35
Three-point shooting. With Peterson back and White’s ability to draw fouls, I expect KU’s free-throw rate to improve.
Three-point shooting has been an issue for three years now. KU is shooting 34% from deep this season. If the Jayhawks can raise that percentage to 36% or 37%, the floor will open up for Peterson, thus solving some of KU’s other issues.
A good 3-point shooting team is usually formidable across the board. Kansas needs its long-distance accuracy to improve, but right now this team is very middle-of-the-pack in most offensive metrics.
What is the offensive adjustment period now that DP is back? The ball stuck at times with DP vs mizz and it felt like they weren’t as comfortable. Are they hitting their stride come conference? February?@williamself08
I think there will be a 4-5 game adjustment period. So, I’d expect KU to hit its stride right around the middle of January. That’s still relatively early in the Big 12 portion of the Jayhawks’ schedule.
Who is the starting QB, OC and DC for week 1 next year? @JAndrew_Cochran
This is a great question. First, I believe Jim Zebrowski will remain the offensive coordinator. There’s been talk of discussions with former OC Andy Kotelnicki, but at this point that’s the stuff of rumors.
Even if Kotelnicki does return, I don’t think he takes Zebrowski’s spot as the Jayhawks’ OC.
As for defensive coordinator, I think D.K. McDonald retains that role. Yes, he had a rough season, but unless he chooses to leave on his own, it’s hard to see him anywhere but by Lance Leipold’s side in 2026.
Historically, Leipold is very loyal to his staff of assistants. I don’t expect that to change this offseason. Plus, McDonald’s buyout is $1.27 million. Would KU be willing to pay that and then also pay for a new defensive coordinator?
The quarterback question is the most difficult one. I expect it to be open competition, but I think Cole Ballard wins the job.
Let me explain.
Leipold recently said that he wants somebody who can take care of the ball and also provide a dual-threat ability. Ballard can do that, even if his rushing ability isn’t quite on par with Isaiah Marshall’s.
I’d heard from multiple sources around the program that Ballard looked great during training camp. Plus, Leipold praised him throughout spring football and into the summer (Leipold may be higher on him than some other members of KU’s staff).
Marshall could have a higher ceiling than Ballard or David McComb, but the stuff he does well in game situations isn’t so visible in practice. I’ve also heard he’s not quite as consistent as Ballard.
I personally think David McComb could be the best of the three, but he faces an uphill battle to beat out two program veterans for the starting job in 2026. His teammates and head coach continue to speak very highly of him, though, so I wouldn’t say it’s out of the question.
I personally cannot wait to see how this quarterback battle plays out.