Darryn Peterson (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
As scrutiny continues to build around Darryn Peterson’s health and fluctuating availability at Kansas, at least one NBA scout believes the conversation should shift from perception to preservation.
Peterson, a 6-foot-5, 205-pound guard from Canton, Ohio, entered the season as the No. 2-ranked prospect in the 2025 RSCI Top 100 and a projected contender for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Through 17 games at Kansas, he is averaging 19.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 27.4 minutes per game while shooting 47.2% from the field and 40.5% from three-point range.
An NBA scout who has monitored Peterson closely since his high school days said the long-term calculus may outweigh short-term competitive optics.
“He doesn’t have the same burst he had playing in high school,” the scout told RG. “You can see he’s trying to battle through it, and I respect that. But at some point, you’ve got to ask what you’re gaining versus what you’re risking. He’s clearly not 100%. It would be wise to shut it down and not risk anything. The constant speculation is only a negative at this point.”
Peterson is Still Making an Impact
Peterson played 32 minutes in Kansas’ 84-68 loss to Cincinnati on Saturday, finishing with 17 points on 7-of-17 shooting. That followed heightened debate after he did not play the final 17 minutes in a prior win over Oklahoma State, fueling national commentary about durability and intent. But he bounced back with 14 points on Monday as the Jayhawks beat the Houston Cougars.
Despite the interruptions, Peterson remains Kansas’ leading scorer at 19.5 points per game while shooting 40.5% from long range. His shooting versatility and shot-making ceiling remain central to his draft profile.
According to the scout, Peterson’s skill foundation has not eroded — but the physical pop that once separated him consistently off the dribble has been less evident.
“He’s still creating separation on his jumper well,” the scout said. “He can get to his spots and stays poised against contests. But he’s definitely getting to the rim less often, and he doesn’t look as shifty laterally as he did when he was fully healthy. That’s the difference right now.”
The scout emphasized that Peterson’s ability to generate space on pull-ups and off step-backs continues to project at the NBA level, but noted that rim pressure has dipped compared to his high school film.
“When he was healthy, he was collapsing defenses and finishing through traffic,” the scout continued.
“Now you see more settling, more jumpers. He’s obviously good enough to make them at a good clip, but you want balance. He’ll look better after getting time off before his rookie season. Medical will need to be evaluated.”
National Narrative Pushback
While scouts evaluate the physical profile, national analysts have focused on perception.
Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, ESPN analyst Jay Bilas defended Peterson’s competitiveness and dismissed suggestions that he would consider shutting down solely for draft positioning.
“If Darryn Peterson were really getting advice from people about shutting it down, shutting it down would be the easy way to go,” Bilas said. “The NBA would take him No. 1. Trying to play is what’s causing these speculative issues about his character and all that other stuff. I don’t find it fair.”
Bilas added, “Man, when that dude plays, there is not much question. There are not many like him. He is the real deal.”
Kansas sits at 20-7 and remains positioned for a strong NCAA Tournament seed. Head coach Bill Self has acknowledged the challenge of building continuity amid unpredictable availability, noting that postseason success requires consistency and cohesion.
From an NBA evaluation standpoint, however, the scout framed the situation less as a character debate and more as risk management.
“The talent is obvious,” the scout said. “The ceiling hasn’t changed. But if the burst isn’t fully back and he’s compensating, that’s when you invite bigger problems. There’s no reason to gamble with a potential No. 1 pick.”
With Selection Sunday approaching and marquee matchups still ahead, Kansas must balance competitive urgency with long-term prudence. For Peterson, the decision — whether to push through or step back — could shape not only this season’s narrative, but how he enters the next level.