Kansas received encouraging news ahead of Sunday’s Border War showdown with Missouri, as star freshman Darryn Peterson is expected to be available after missing seven straight games with a hamstring injury, coach Bill Self said Friday.
Peterson practiced the past two days. Self cautioned that his status could still change depending on how he responds before tipoff but said the Jayhawks are preparing as if he will play. “He should be available, unless he has a setback between now and game time,” Self said.
The 6-foot-6 wing, who is ESPN’s projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, was electric before the injury. He averaged 21.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and shooting 50% from 3-point range in wins over Green Bay and North Carolina. Kansas went 5-2 without him, leaning heavily on big men Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller while struggling on offense.
Self said Peterson has undergone treatment four times daily to accelerate his recovery. “We wouldn’t put him out there unless he was full speed,” Self said. “He’s great. And he’s tried his ass off to get back sooner.”
Kansas and Missouri meet Sunday in Kansas City, renewing their rivalry after both teams suffered losses earlier in the week.
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