UPDATE: The No. 25 Kansas Jayhawks surged to a dominant 77-46 victory over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Tuesday night, but the win came with a notable absence. Star freshman Darryn Peterson, the nation’s top recruit, was a surprising scratch due to a tight hamstring, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Coach Bill Self confirmed after the game that the decision was precautionary. “We didn’t anticipate this, but at the end of practice this morning, he said it was tight. So I told him there’s no reason to go,” Self stated during the post-game press conference in Lawrence, Kansas. The team is hopeful that Peterson will return to practice on Thursday ahead of their next matchup against Princeton this Saturday.
Without Peterson, the Jayhawks initially struggled but eventually found their rhythm. Kohl Rosario stepped up, scoring 16 points and energizing the team with a series of alley-oop dunks and three-pointers. Flory Bidunga contributed 12 points, while Bryson Tiller and Tre White each added 11 points to help secure the win. Kansas improved to 2-1 this season, continuing their impressive streak of 22 consecutive nonconference home game victories.
Peterson, who scored 21 points in his debut against Green Bay and 22 points against North Carolina, has been dealing with cramping issues early in the season. “It’s frustrating for him, I’m sure,” Self remarked. “And it’s frustrating as a coach, too, because we don’t know from day to day how he’s going to be.”
As the season progresses, the Jayhawks face a challenging schedule that includes games against No. 4 Duke, Notre Dame, Syracuse, No. 3 UConn, and Missouri before Big 12 play begins. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Peterson can return to form in the coming days.
The Jayhawks’ performance tonight showcased their resilience, but the health of their star player remains a focal point as they prepare for tougher opponents ahead. The urgency for Kansas is palpable as they look to build momentum while managing Peterson’s recovery carefully.
Stay tuned for updates on Peterson’s condition and the Jayhawks’ upcoming games as the college basketball season heats up.
