The criticism surrounding Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson and not finishing games reached a new level this week. Bill Self’s response was straightforward.
“Play. Finish. That's the way to get people to quit talking."
Peterson exited Wednesday night’s 81-69 win at Oklahoma State less than three minutes into the second half due to another episode of cramping, reigniting national conversation about his durability. The freshman has now missed 11 of 26 games this season and has rarely been on the floor at the final buzzer in the games he has played.
National commentators questioned everything from his availability to his long-term reliability. Some suggested “load management.” Others wondered aloud about his intangibles.
Self does not dispute the obvious.
“The basis of what’s being said, you can’t argue with it,” Self said Friday. “He hasn’t finished games consistently.”
What he strongly rejects is the reasoning behind the criticism.
“The reasons why he hasn’t finished or he’s saving himself for the NBA or ‘load management’ or that kind of stuff, that couldn’t be more false,” Self said.
Peterson, a projected top-three pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has dealt with a series of ailments this season, including flu-like symptoms and recurring muscle cramps. Self previously called narratives surrounding his star guard “B.S.” and reiterated that stance Friday.
Self was also asked about Peterson’s commitment to the game amid outside noise questioning it. The Hall of Fame coach was emphatic.
“I don’t know that we’ve had a guy that studies the game, has prepared himself for this, more so than what Darryn Peterson has,” Self said. “I think that those are the things that’s probably hurtful as much as anything.”
Peterson had strung together several cramp-free performances from Jan. 31 through Feb. 18 before Wednesday’s setback in Stillwater. His early exit overshadowed what had been another efficient start.
Still, Self understands how perception works. He is not asking for sympathy.
“If it doesn’t allow him to, then they’ll say something again the next game,” Self said. “But that’s the way to get people to quit talking.”
The solution, in Self’s mind, is simple and entirely performance-based.
“Play. Finish.”
Kansas will host Cincinnati on Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse, giving Peterson another opportunity to quiet the conversation the only way that truly matters, by being on the floor when the game ends. Coach Self has given the recipe on how the Peterson can silence the critics: play and finish the game.