Kansas guard Darryn Peterson put on a show Saturday. Even if the box score and minute total hardly reflect it.
Peterson poured in 18 points in the first half, highlighted with a thunderous dunk that brought Allen Fieldhouse to its feet. This was before he spent the entire second half on the bench as No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks closed out a 90-82 home win over 13th-ranked BYU Cougars. All five Kansas starters finished in double figures, allowing the Jayhawks to take care of business without their star returning to the floor.
The performance came in front at least 32 NBA executives who made the trip to Lawrence to evaluate the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. While Peterson dazzled early, BYU guard Richie Saunders led all scorers with 33 points. Fellow draft headliner AJ Dybantsa endured a quieter afternoon, finishing with 17 points.
Peterson’s minute restriction has become a growing storyline. He missed Kansas’ previous game against Kansas State and was limited in the five games before that. He has yet to play a full game this season and previously missed nine games due to injury. Even so, his per minute impact remains undeniable. Peterson is averaging 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists while playing just 27.2 minutes per game.
“He makes things look so effortless, it’s unbelievable,” one NBA executive told ESPN. “His shotmaking is unmatched. He’s the closest thing to Kobe Bryant I’ve seen since Kobe.”
College basketball is enjoying a freshman renaissance, and scouts believe this draft class could hold up historically. Meanwhile, Kansas remains firmly in the Big 12 title picture.
With Peterson limited, others have stepped up. But on Saturday, the Jayhawks’ star still made every possession count.
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