More on Darryn Peterson + some thoughts NCAA Tournament: Kansas Jayhawks Q&A

The discourse around Kansas star Darryn Peterson’s health issues reached a nauseating level this week.

Jayhawks men’s basketball coach Bill Self addressed it all Thursday.

When I asked Self if there was another level to his burst/athleticism that’s thus far unseen due to the freshman player’s injuries/health issues, the coach answered the question within the first 30 seconds. He then used the next three-and-a-half minutes to call out national media and fans alike for questioning Peterson’s motivation to play.

To put it simply, it’s the most Self has talked about the issue all season.

Now, here’s what I know about what happened Monday and this season overall. A source close to the situation told The Star that Peterson didn’t look like himself at shootaround on the day of the game, so it wasn’t surprising that he didn’t play.

Now, I’m sure KU fans are frustrated with the entire situation. Peterson is clearly a special talent when he plays, but he’s missed 11 games of basketball due to a variety of health issues. Everyone wants to see him play, himself included.

I think, overall, there’s been a lack of nuance with his injuries. Peterson isn’t faking injuries or illnesses; this is something I have consistently reported on since the start of the season.

And some of those closest to him say he’s not engaging in load-management. Echoing what Peterson’s high school coach, Ryan Bernardi, told The Star in late January, Self insisted Peterson isn’t doing load-management.

That said, this is a different situation for KU. There’s a lot at stake for Peterson. After all, he’s the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. For example, that means there is even a specific person, assigned by KU athletics, who communicates with Peterson’s camp.

At times there’s been extra caution with the injuries/ health-issues from his camp’s side as they want him to be as close to 100% healthy before he plays. Self has said as much too in December, as he said his camp was involved in decisions with his KU status.

There’s a bit more to the situation than meets the eye, but hopefully this adds some context. I can’t always report everything I know, but I think it’s important to be as informed as possible.

With that, it’s time for another Kansas Jayhawks Q&A. Thanks, as always, for the questions ...

Looking way ahead, ideal matchups for KU headed in the tournament? Avoiding any region with zona or Michigan seems ideal. @Ryan11Alexander

I agree with your sentiment, if KU can avoid Arizona or Michigan, it would be ideal. Right now, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has UConn and Duke as the two other 1-seeds.

If you’re KU, which has played both teams, Duke is the better pairing — for a few reasons. First, I think Bidunga will be able to match up well against Cameron Boozer. He made life difficult in their first meeting.

Secondly, UConn and Dan Hurley tend to play their best basketball in March. Even last season, the lower-seeded UConn team nearly upset eventual National Champion Florida. The two seasons before that, UConn won it all.

Third, Duke is very reliant on scoring inside the arc. KU does a terrific job of making it difficult for opposing teams to score in the paint and the Blue Devils aren’t the best 3-point shooting team (ranking No. 172 in 3-point percentage).

I’m not saying it’ll be easy, but I think KU can beat Duke more easily than UConn.

Update on DP? @ColeRagansSZN

Self didn’t rule him out for the Iowa State game, but he still isn’t fully recovered from his illness and was unable to practice at full speed on either Wednesday or Thursday.

Self expressed hope that he will be full speed by Saturday.

Looking forward to the Conf Turny. That floor. Ugh are we sure it’s visually safe for people who may have a seizure or migraines? @ryman_justin

This is a very good question. I really hope they’ve thought of that or at least give a big warning to fans or something?

Who’s the nicest person on the KU beat and why is it not me? @KFlahertyKCSN

Only because Henry Greenstein exists, my friend. Henry, I promise this isn’t just me gassing you up because you are driving me to Ames on Friday afternoon, lol.

This story was originally published February 13, 2026 at 10:04 AM with the headline "More on Darryn Peterson + some thoughts NCAA Tournament: Kansas Jayhawks Q&A."

Shreyas Laddha

The Kansas City Star

Shreyas Laddha covers KU hoops and football for The Star. He’s a Georgia native and graduated from the University of Georgia.