Everything changes when Darryn Peterson walks off the floor.
One moment, the freshman superstar is taking over the game — drilling threes, attacking the rim, and looking like the best player on the court. The next moment, he’s bent over, grabbing his legs, or heading to the bench, his night suddenly cut short by cramping, fatigue, or lingering injury issues.
It’s become one of the most frustrating and concerning storylines of the season for the Kansas Jayhawks — and it could ultimately decide how far this team goes in March.
Because when Peterson isn’t on the floor, Kansas simply isn’t the same.
Dominant Numbers — With One Major Catch
On paper, Peterson has delivered exactly what Kansas hoped for — and more.
He’s averaging:
- 19.8 points per game
- 48.0% shooting from the field
- 41.3% from three
- 27.2 minutes per game
Those are elite numbers for any player — let alone a freshman carrying this level of responsibility.
Peterson has already shown he can take over games. He scores at all three levels, creates offense under pressure, and has the confidence of a veteran.
But the problem isn’t what happens when he plays.
It’s how often he’s forced to stop.
The Constant Stoppages That Keep Changing Everything
Multiple times this season, Peterson has been forced to leave games due to cramping, minor injuries, and physical fatigue. Sometimes he returns. Sometimes he doesn’t.
And every time he walks off the floor, the energy inside Allen Fieldhouse shifts.
Kansas head coach Bill Self has acknowledged that Peterson’s availability has been inconsistent, with cramping being the most persistent issue.
Cramping might sound minor — but during a game, it’s debilitating.
It can instantly take a player out of rhythm. It disrupts rotations. It forces Kansas to adjust its entire offensive structure.
And it always seems to happen at the worst possible time.
Kansas’ Offense Lives and Dies With Peterson
When Peterson is healthy and on the floor, Kansas looks like a national title contender.
When he’s not, everything becomes harder.
The offense slows down. Shot creation becomes limited. Opponents can focus on shutting down other options.
Peterson gives Kansas something no one else on the roster can consistently provide: a true go-to scorer.
That’s why every time he leaves the floor, it doesn’t just affect one possession.
It affects everything.
The Bigger Fear: What Happens in March?
Kansas doesn’t just need Peterson.
They need him healthy.
The Jayhawks have the talent, coaching, and experience to make a deep tournament run. But their ceiling is directly tied to Peterson’s availability.
If the cramping and injury issues continue, it could derail their championship hopes.
If he stays healthy, Kansas becomes one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
That’s the reality.
Fighting Through It All
To Peterson’s credit, he hasn’t backed down.
Despite the constant interruptions, he’s continued to produce at an elite level whenever he’s on the floor.
Nearly 20 points per game as a freshman — while battling physical setbacks — speaks to his toughness and talent.
But the question still lingers.
Not whether he’s good enough.
But whether his body will allow him to stay on the floor long enough to carry Kansas where they want to go.
Because when Darryn Peterson plays, Kansas can beat anyone.
When he doesn’t, everything becomes uncertain.
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