Kansas eyes a tournament reset, bracing for explosive scorer Dominique Daniels Jr. and aiming to advance with a healthy Darryn Peterson.
Self, Peterson lead Kansas into NCAA Tournament opener against Cal Baptist
Kansas is treating the NCAA Tournament as a reset. After an inconsistent close to the regular season, head coach Bill Self said the Jayhawks are embracing a fresh opportunity ahead of Friday’s first-round matchup with No. 13 seed Cal Baptist at Viejas Arena.
“We're thrilled to be in San Diego. We're thrilled to be in the tournament,” Self said Thursday. “We obviously didn't finish the way that we hoped we would, but still it's a new lease for everybody.”
Kansas’ attention quickly turned to Cal Baptist’s star guard Dominique Daniels Jr., one of the most prolific scorers in the country. The graduate student enters the matchup averaging 23.2 points per game, ranking fifth nationally.
Self emphasized the challenge Daniels presents on film.
“The thing that I think is so interesting about him is he is so downhill,” Self said. “His speed and strength and shiftiness makes it hard to switch, makes it hard to hedge without being split. He can put a lot of pressure on the defense every possession.”
Freshman guard Darryn Peterson said the focus starts with preparation and discipline.
“Dominique Daniels is a great player,” Peterson said. “Just be prepared to guard everybody … just prepared.”
Daniels is one of the best scorers in the country and one of the best Kansas has faced this season, joining a list that includes BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and Duke’s Cameron Boozer. Self noted that while Kansas has seen elite talent, Daniels brings a different style.
“We've played against some good scorers this year,” Self said. “But he's a real guy. He can score the ball.”
Peterson enters the tournament trending upward after battling cramping issues for much of the season. He has played 30 or more minutes in five of Kansas’ last seven games and said he is no longer dealing with the problem.
“No concerns anymore,” Peterson said. “I feel like the cramps are behind me. I've been fine.”
With improved health and a renewed mindset, Peterson will play a key role in Kansas’ offensive attack as the Jayhawks look to advance. Tipoff is set for 8:45 p.m. Friday on CBS, with the winner advancing to face either St. John’s or Northern Iowa.