Overview
- Darryn Peterson logged 32 minutes and scored 17 points in Kansas’ 84-68 home loss to Cincinnati, a game noted as the program’s largest home defeat to an unranked opponent since 1973.
- Speaking to ESPN, Peterson said “basketball is my life” and that he would have played every game if he could, with reports indicating he is expected to suit up tonight against No. 2 Houston barring setbacks.
- The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie shared side-by-side clips highlighting reduced burst and lift compared to Peterson’s prep tape, while CBS Sports’ Adam Finkelstein argued the availability issues reflect real injury rather than disinterest.
- Bill Self has continued to defend Peterson’s commitment but said the way to change the narrative is to “play” and “finish,” after a season of in-game exits and late scratches.
- High-profile criticism has intensified, including Stephen A. Smith questioning No. 1-pick viability, DeMarcus Cousins calling the approach damaging to college hoops, and an NBA executive warning that needing to feel 100 percent to play is a major red flag; Peterson has missed 11 games yet averages about 19.8 points when he plays.