Darryn Peterson’s dad sends 9-word message amid ongoing Kansas saga originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The air in the Darryn Peterson conversation couldn’t have gotten any thinner. But it did without the Kansas Jayhawks star saying a word himself. What might seem like a minor comment under normal circumstances is now adding fuel to the fire.
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Darryn’s father, Darryl Peterson, took to social media with a graphic of the back of his son’s jersey with the name, surrounded by the caption, “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.” This was a direct response to his son’s latest saga, but Peterson was wearing a McDonald’s All-American jersey and nothing from Kansas.
It’s hard not to read into the situation or jump to conclusions in this case. Just get your popcorn ready and see how it goes.
Kansas coach Bill Self hasn’t beat around the bush about how the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft can silence his critics. He laid it out before the loss to Cincinnati over the weekend. “He hasn’t finished games,” Self said. “The bottom line is, there is a way to change the narrative. Play. Finish. That’s the way to get people to quit talking.”
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Whether Peterson is listening or not remains to be seen at this point. Obviously, the criticism has struck a nerve with his father. Peterson has appeared in 16 of 27 games this season, missing time with a hamstring injury, cramping and illness. He is averaging 19.8 points in 27.2 minutes while shooting 48.0% from the field and 41.3% from 3-point range.
More: Carmelo Anthony calls on NBA to address Darryn Peterson controversy
With the Big 12 Conference and NCAA tournaments approaching, talent is not the concern. But also the NBA scouts are watching closely. Peterson might’ve taken a hit in his draft stock.
Kansas faces Houston in a top-ten battle on Monday night. Another opportunity for Peterson to silence the conversation with a solid stat line.
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