Darryn Peterson missing in Kansas warmups ahead of Arizona game

The backend of Big Monday will take us to one of the elite venues in college basketball — Allen Fieldhouse. Kansas will be welcoming an elite opponent as well, with the No. 1 Arizona Wildcats coming to Lawrence. It’s another matchup where exciting freshmen are facing off against one another. Or so we thought.

Star Kansas guard Darryn Peterson is not going through pregame warmups. Multiple people in attendance have said Peterson is not out there with the rest of the KU squad. Moments later, when starting lineups were presented, he was not a part of the first five.

“No sign of Darryn Peterson warming up with #kubball,” On3 | Rivals’ Jayhawk Slant said via X.

***UPDATE*** – Peterson has been officially ruled out of the game. No injury is hampering him this time. Instead, Peterson is experiencing flu-like symptoms, according to Jayhawk Slant. Massive news for Kansas just around 10 minutes before tip.

Peterson has been in and out of the lineup all season for Kansas. Even when starting games, he has eventually been shut down due to an injury. It’s been something head coach Bill Self needed to address multiple times. The latest came after the Texas Tech game, where Peterson was a huge reason why the Jayhawks emerged as winners.

“I don’t know. I didn’t ask him. I wasn’t going to give him a chance to say it was [bothering him],” Self said of Peterson’s cramps. “I don’t think he was near as explosive tonight as what he has been. So, I don’t know if it’s fatigue. I don’t know what it was. I know he elevated on those last two.”

Only 13 games have been played by Peterson this season. He is averaging 20.5 points while shooting 48.9% from the field during those. His three-point numbers are great as well, making nearly 42% of them. Peterson adds 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists every time out there.

Even with the lack of college playing time, plenty of people believe Peterson will be the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft. The race is likely being run by him and AJ Dybantsa, followed by someone like Cameron Boozer. This could turn into a generational freshman class, as studs are filled throughout the entire lottery.

Unfortunately, we will have to wait a few more days to see Peterson back on the court. Kansas heads to Ames on Saturday for another big-time showdown against Iowa State.