After overcoming debilitating injuries and a hospitalization scare at Kansas, the projected lottery pick reclaimed his elite physical dominance just in time for the 2026 NBA Draft.
Darryn Peterson Says He’s Back to High School Form Ahead of NBA Draft
Former Kansas Jayhawks star Darryn Peterson says he finally feels fully healthy again as the NBA Draft approaches.
After battling hamstring, quad, and severe cramping issues throughout his freshman season at Kansas, Peterson told reporters at the NBA Draft Combine that he believes he has returned to the same physical level he played at during high school.
“I feel like I’m back at that level now,” Peterson said. “Obviously, I wasn’t where I wanted to be… but I feel like I’m back at it now.”
Peterson’s health struggles became one of the biggest storylines of Kansas’ season, with the projected lottery pick missing time and frequently entering games with uncertain availability. The cramping became so severe at one point that he was hospitalized after suffering a full-body cramp during offseason workouts.
Peterson later revealed the issue stemmed from unsafe creatine levels after taking high doses of the supplement for the first time.
“When something’s wrong and you don’t know what it is, it can be rough,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, Peterson still averaged over 20 points per game during his lone season in Lawrence and remains one of the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Most projections expect Peterson to be selected within the top two picks alongside AJ Dybantsa, with the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz holding the first two selections.
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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.