The Kansas Jayhawks are continuing to grow familiar Darryn Peterson, who is back in the lineup for today's game against North Carolina State
The Kansas Jayhawks have one of the most dynamic players in the country in guard Darryn Peterson.
But even though they are almost ready to enter Big 12 play, the Jayhawks haven't had much time to see Peterson. He's dealt with a nagging hamstring injury that has caused him to miss all but three games this season.
The good news is it appears he is finally healthy. After scoring 17 points in last week's victory against the Missouri Tigers, Peterson is expected on the court for today's game versus the North Carolina State Wolfpack.
Jayhawks coach Bill Self recently talked about the players are getting adjusted to playing with Peterson.
"Actually, I didn't think we played great with him. I thought we stood and there wasn't any ball and body movement. The way they guarded the ball screens and hard hedged, we didn't play behind it and take advantage of it. I didn't think we played great. But on the flip side, I think there was four or five times he could have gotten a paint touch and didn't do it because I think he was just trying to fit in. I told him, 'Hey, you're sick. It's your first game back, you haven't played in a month. Hey, let it come to you,' when I don't think he's a let it come to me, type of guy. He'll be better next time. I thought he's fine this time, but I don't think we did a lot to help him and vice versa."
Peterson was the nation's No. 1 high school player of the 2025 class. He is projected as the No. 1 pick in next June's NBA draft. He and BYU freshman AJ Dybansta are generally regarded as the top two freshman.
Here's the game preview:
Time: Saturday, Dec. 13 Tipoff at 4:30 p.m. CST
Where: Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina
TV/Streaming: ESPN
Betting Line: Kansas +1.5
Vitals: No. 19 Kansas men’s basketball (7-3) heads on the road for an ACC matchup against NC State (7-3). This is the Jayhawks' second true road game in what should be a great environment. Kansas will have a healthy squad with Darryn Peterson back healthy.
Projected Starting Fives:
Kansas:
Darryn Peterson
Flory Bidunga
Bryson Tiller
Melvin Council Jr.
Tre White
NC State:
Tre Holloman
Paul McNeil
Quadir Copeland
Darrion Williams
Ven-Allen Lubin
Shandel Richardson is the publisher of JayhawksRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com