Darryn Peterson sounds ready to move on from his at-times confounding college career at Kansas.
The No. 2 overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft led the Utah Jazz on Thursday in Summer League action, losing 92-88 to the Washington Wizards and top pick AJ Dybantsa. After the game, he spoke about how much fun he was having in his Jazz career — then positively compared it to his time with the Jayhawks:
“I’m back having fun. I wasn’t really experiencing it that much at Kansas. I was off [the ball] a ton, so I feel like myself again. Being on the ball, that’s what comes with it: being double-teamed, different coverages, so keep adjusting.
It’s been a successful Summer League so far for Peterson, who has indeed been handed primary ball-handling duties on the Jazz. He posted 28 points on 11-of-21 shooting in his debut against the Atlanta Hawks, then had 25 points and 12 assists against the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this week.
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Thursday was a bit more messy. Peterson had 24 points, but also committed eight turnovers and an only-in-Summer-League nine fouls while duking it out with Dybantsa.
Peterson’s Kansas career was successful enough to make him a No. 2 pick, as he flashed enough shooting, playmaking and defense to put him in consideration for the top pick. Prospects with his level of two-way upside are rare.
However, as Peterson noted, he was often used as an off-ball guard, averaging only 1.6 assists per game and taking more 3-pointers than anyone else on the team. It’s not like he was bad in that role — he earned All-Big 12 second-team honors — but he evidently wasn’t happy about it. There was also the matter of his frequent exits late in games, which he attributed to a creatine surplus.
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The Jazz now represent a clean slate for Peterson. He joins a team that is both young and looking to take the next step soon behind forwards Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ace Bailey, all of whom could benefit if he is able to distribute the ball as hoped.
