The Kansas Jayhawks just accomplished their biggest win of the season, taking down No. 1 Arizona, and not only did they hand the Wildcats their first loss of the season, but they did it without their star player. Freshman Darryn Peterson was absent from the court yet again this season, this time due to flu-like symptoms.
The Jayhawks had the home court advantage, though, and they certainly used it to their advantage as the home crowd made it a hostile environment for Arizona. The Jayhawks were able to get past the top-ranked Wildcats without Peterson on the court, something that some thought wouldn't be possible.
Even after the strong showing from Kansas, CBS Sports analyst and former NBA star Roy Hibbert still doesn't think the Jayhawks are a contender, unless they have Peterson.
"With Peterson and his availability, to me, that's the biggest question right now," Hibbert said.
"Darryn Peterson's availability is the biggest question to me right now."@Roy_Meets_World is unsure that Kansas is a national title contender with the injury issues going on with Darryn Peterson right now. pic.twitter.com/N6SmJ9obOE
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) February 11, 2026
Did Hibbert not just see Kansas take down the No. 1 team in the country without Peterson, who they didn't know they wouldn't have till about 30 minutes before tipoff? The win over Arizona absolutely shows that the Jayhawks are a serious national title contender this season.
Even with more losses than usual this year, Kansas is hitting its stride at the right time. Kansas is riding an eight-game win streak right now, where Peterson hasn't been on the court every game. The defense from the Jayhawks when Peterson is not playing has been even more elite than when he is on the court.
The Jayhawks were able to put 82 points on the top team in the country and hold them to just 78, so it is clear the defense has been there. Bill Self knows that he has the guys to be successful, with and without Peterson.
Players like Flory Bidunga and Melvin Council Jr. have been the difference when Peterson isn't a go. Yes, it is concerning that Peterson is available but not playing; however, Kansas is still getting the job done, even without their star.