Peterson Defends Availability, Declares Basketball Is Life Before NBA Draft
Darryn Peterson, projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has missed 11 of Kansas' 27 games due to hamstring, ankle and cramps injuries and pushes back on the narrative that he's choosing to sit out, saying basketball is his life. He sparked attention after benching himself for 18 minutes in a win at Oklahoma State; coach Bill Self cautioned that availability matters for NCAA tournament success. Peterson traces his work ethic to his Canton, Ohio upbringing and emphasized he would be on the floor if possible, with the goal of being healthy for the NCAA tournament. Only Kenyon Martin and Kyrie Irving have been drafted No. 1 after missing more than 10 college games.
