The projected top pick dominated Chicago testing with a 37.5-inch vertical, revealing that resolved health issues have restored the explosive athleticism that once made him a high school phenom.
Darryn Peterson Says He’s Back to Full Athletic Form at NBA Combine
Former Kansas Jayhawks star Darryn Peterson continues building momentum ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft, and the latest updates out of the NBA Combine should excite scouts and fans alike.
According to draft analyst Kevin Sweeney, Peterson said he has finally returned to the same athletic level he displayed in high school after resolving the cramping issues that plagued his freshman season at Kansas.
Peterson previously revealed to ESPN that the recurring cramps stemmed from unsafe creatine levels after taking high doses of the supplement for the first time. Since stopping the supplement, he says the symptoms have disappeared.
The health update comes as Peterson continues to impress evaluators in Chicago. He measured 6-foot-4.5 without shoes with a nearly 6-foot-10 wingspan, weighed 198.8 pounds, and reportedly posted a 37.5-inch max vertical leap during combine testing.
Despite questions surrounding his shortened college season, Peterson remains firmly in the mix as one of the top picks in the draft. Multiple mock drafts from ESPN, Yahoo Sports, and Bleacher Report currently project him to the Utah Jazz with the No. 2 overall pick behind AJ Dybantsa.
Peterson averaged 20.2 points per game during his lone season at Kansas while battling the health issues that limited him to 24 appearances. Even with the setbacks, many scouts still view him as one of the most talented players in the class.
Now healthy and reportedly back to full explosiveness, Peterson’s stock appears as strong as ever heading into draft season.
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Seattle Seahawks Land Steal with Emmanuel Henderson Jr.
The Seattle Seahawks might have just found a gem. Emmanuel Henderson Jr. is officially off the board, and for where he was taken, this feels like a steal. He was one of the few bright spots for Kansas last season, finishing with 766 receiving yards and five touchdowns while also making an impact in the return game. The upside is easy to see.
Henderson’s speed jumps out immediately. He can stretch the field, create big plays, and flip momentum as a returner. That 214 yard, two touchdown game against Cincinnati showed exactly what he can be when everything clicks.
He is not a finished product, but late in the draft, that is what you are betting on. Traits and ceiling.
Seattle gets a player who can contribute on special teams right away and develop into more in the offense. If he puts it together, this could end up being one of the better value picks from this class. Low risk, high upside. That is a win.