The Kansas Jayhawks received encouraging news ahead of Saturday’s matchup vs. the Iowa State Cyclones.
Head coach Bill Self confirmed that star freshman Darryn Peterson is “good to go” for the noon CT showdown, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Peterson missed Kansas’ 82-78 victory over No. 1 Arizona on Monday due to illness. (source)
Peterson has appeared in 13 of Kansas’ 24 games this season, averaging a team-high 20.5 points, along with 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per contest. He is shooting 48.9% from the field and 41.9% from three-point range.
Self Responds to Criticism
Peterson’s absence against Arizona sparked criticism from some fans, especially following his early exit in a Jan. 31 win over BYU due to cramps. He did not return to that contest, prompting questions about his availability.
Self directly addressed the narrative surrounding his freshman guard.
“I’m not a social media guy, but I have gotten on X and read some of the things and narratives that are out there about him, and it’s really not remotely true,” Self said. “The thing about it is, when you’re honest, people don’t believe you, and when you don’t comment on it, people create their own narratives.
“… The narrative is BS in many ways. I’m not sure. Load management, this kid hadn’t talked about that one time or anything. Load management, geez, that’s when you play four games in seven days. That’s not when you play one half a week or anything like that. So those aren’t true. … He’s really sick.”
Kansas Built Momentum Without Him
Even without Peterson on Monday, Kansas delivered one of its most complete performances of the season. The Jayhawks secured Arizona’s first loss by controlling the game at the free-throw line, converting 21 of 25 attempts.
Forward Flory Bidunga led the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
Still, Peterson’s offensive presence adds another dimension against an Iowa State defense that allows just 64.9 points per game — the 15th-best mark nationally.
With Self confirming his availability, Kansas enters the rematch at full strength and looking to extend its recent surge. The contest tips at noon CT and will air on ABC.