In a recent update regarding freshman Darryn Peterson’s health, Kansas Jayhawks’ head coach Bill Self has clarified rumors surrounding the player potentially sitting out the rest of the season. Peterson has experienced multiple health issues this year, hampering his ability to fully contribute to the team.
Peterson’s Injury History
Darryn Peterson has participated in only five games this season. His challenges began with cramps during the preseason, which were followed by a hamstring strain that sidelined him for seven games. In late December, he missed two further games due to quad cramps.
Recent Performance and Concerns
Peterson last played against N.C. State on December 13. He returned to the court for the game against UCF but left midway through the second half due to cramping issues. Fans have expressed concern about the possibility that he may need to be shut down for the long term or the entire season. However, Coach Bill Self has dismissed these worries.
- Peterson is currently listed as probable for the upcoming game against TCU.
- Self emphasized, “No. No. The kid, he’s — no, not at all,” regarding the discussions of shutting Peterson down.
- Self indicated that while injuries remain a concern, there has been no talk of sidelining the player for the season.
Minutes Restrictions and Coaching Decisions
During a recent news conference, Self addressed the minutes restriction imposed on Peterson. The coach mentioned that Peterson was expected to play around 24 minutes but ended up with 23 minutes in the game against UCF. Notably, he played 18 of those minutes in the first half.
- Self stated, “There’s not medical evidence saying only play this much or play him that much or anything like that.”
- He reiterated that Peterson’s limited gameplay in the second half was due to his legs, not a predetermined minute limit.
Future Outlook
The coach remains uncertain about how to manage Peterson’s minutes moving forward, acknowledging that no clear solution exists. Self hopes Peterson will feel better soon, allowing him to contribute more effectively. He remarked on the difficulty of finding the right approach to ensure Peterson can participate without risking further injury.
In summary, while concerns surrounding Darryn Peterson’s health persist, Coach Bill Self continues to affirm that the idea of sidelining him for the season has not been discussed. The focus remains on managing his recovery and performance as the season progresses.
