Darryn Peterson dazzles in KU basketball season opener. He had some help, too
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- Darryn Peterson scored 21 in 22 minutes, controlled offense and hounded opponents.
- Flory Bidunga posted a career-high 23 points, displaying improved post scoring.
- Kansas defense suffocated Green Bay, forced turnovers and held them to 28.6%.
The Darryn Peterson era of Kansas basketball started with the freshman phenom canning a deep 3-pointer from near the beak of the Jayhawk logo inside Allen Fieldhouse.
He didn’t react much after making the shot. Instead, Peterson backpedaled to get back on defense and directed his teammates to pay attention to the Green Bay ball handler.
After all, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has a way of making the challenging look routine. Even his first made shot in a KU uniform was a 3-pointer from NBA range.
No. 19 KU defeated Green Bay 94-51 in its season opener Monday. The Jayhawks (1-0) have now won 53 consecutive home openers, a streak that began in 1973-74.
Big man Flory Bidunga had a career-high 23 points with six rebounds and three blocks. Peterson scored 21 points and grabbed four rebounds in just 22 minutes.
Peterson exited the game with about 15 minutes left in the second half and didn’t return. Notably, he’s dealt with a cramping issue over the last few weeks. He missed KU’s exhibition game against Fort Hays State due to the cramping and a stomach bug.
Kansas coach Bill Self confirmed Peterson was cramping Monday night, though the score being so lopsided also contributed to his time on the bench.
“Definitely it was bothering him,” Self said. “He said he felt it coming on. So no reason to (play him with North Carolina coming up Friday). We need to practice tomorrow. So hopefully we can get him out there for practice.”
KU’s starting lineup for the season opener was Peterson, Kohl Rosario, Melvin Council Jr., Tre White and Bidunga.
The Jayhawks dominated from the start. They led 48-27 at the half, and things didn’t get any closer.
Up next: KU travels to face North Carolina on the road Friday. The Jayhawks will be tested with a powerhouse clash on a national stage (ESPN broadcast).
Until then, here are three takeaways from Monday’s season opener:
Darryn Peterson is special
No question, Darryn Peterson is exciting.
The freshman phenom was in total control. On offense, Green Bay couldn’t guard him.
Right before the end of the first half, Peterson hit a step-back mid-range jumper as the shot clock expired. He had 18 points in the first period.
On defense, Peterson was tenacious. He got in the face of multiple Green Bay defenders and made their lives miserable. He had one block and two steals in the first half alone.
Even though he only played 22 minutes, he showcased why the Jayhawks will be must-watch television this season.
“(He) scores easy, makes it look easy,” Self said. “He was really good, and once again we couldn’t really play him much the second half at all. But I thought he was good, I thought Flory was good and I thought Melvin (Council Jr.) was good.”
Flory Bidunga dominates down low
The Jayhawks have high hopes for Flory Bidunga, who is returning for his sophomore season with the squad. But his offensive game remains a question mark.
Through one game, he looks much improved.
Bidunga showed an array of post moves vs. Green Bay. His jump hook, in particular, was something Green Bay defenders struggled to stop. Other times, a simple up-and-under got him points.
There’s also a clear level of trust between Peterson and Bidunga, as the pair showcased an impressive two-man game.
Overall, Bidunga had one of his best offensive games in a Jayhawks uniform Monday. It was a great showing for the big man after a rough exhibition performance against Fort Hays State and fouling out against Louisville.
KU’s defense suffocated Green Bay
Since July, Kansas coach Bill Self has talked about how this team will play aggressive defense and showcase its athleticism.
He was absolutely right.
KU’s defense is suffocating. The Jayhawks do an excellent job of getting in the face of shooters, swarming ball handlers and forcing bad shots and turnovers.
The effort on defense is something to behold, and it often turns into points on the other end. The Phoenix shot just 28.6% from the field, including 25.8% on 3-pointers. Kansas scored 17 points off turnovers.
This story was originally published November 3, 2025 at 9:14 PM with the headline "Darryn Peterson dazzles in KU basketball season opener. He had some help, too."
