Kansas’ Darryn Peterson hurt his draft stock says ESPN analyst originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Despite widespread buzz labeling him a potential No. 1 overall pick, Darryn Peterson is not atop Stephen A. Smith’s draft board. The ESPN analyst made it clear this week that while he respects the talent of the Kansas Jayhawks star guard, durability matters more.
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“Darryn Peterson’s a stud, talent-wise. I got no issue with him as the No. 1 prospect,” Smith said on Tuesday’s First Take. “But I’ve got to be able to trust your availability. I am not picking a dude No. 1 overall that’s missing college basketball games because of flu and cramps. I’m not doing it.”
Peterson’s freshman season at Kansas Jayhawks men’s basketball has been electric when healthy. He’s averaging 19.7 points and 3.8 assists while shooting 40% from 3-point range. He ranks No. 1 in box plus-minus among freshman guards and sits 11th overall among freshmen in BPR ratings. He has also scored at least 10 points in 18 straight games — a feat no Kansas freshman has accomplished in the past 20 years.
However, injuries including a hamstring strain, sprained ankle and recurring cramps have limited him to flashes of dominance rather than a consistent track record on the court.
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Scouts remain tuned into Peterson’s game at the point. His size and on-off ball versatility are about the best right now. Also, improved shooting has answered pre-college questions. But as Smith noted, projecting stardom requires confidence in availability. Especially in an NBA landscape already scrutinized for load management.
