Arizona vs. Kansas: The High-Stakes Showdown That Could Redefine the Season

There’s also been the ongoing drama surrounding freshman guard Daryn Peterson, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft who is averaging 19.5 points per game (28.5 per 40) but has also missed 11 games. During nonconference play he sat out with a hamstring injury and in the league has missed time with an ankle sprain, cramps and illness, asking out of a couple games midway through.

Peterson was a surprise scratch for the first meeting with Arizona, yet he wasn’t missed as Kansas’ supporting cast stepped up huge.

“Obviously Daryn’s an elite talent,” Lloyd said. “Speculate all you want, I just don’t see any scenario where they’re not better or don’t have a higher ceiling with him on the floor. So that’s what we’re going to prepare to play against. Obviously, last time kind of was a surprise that he didn’t play. This time, we’re fully expecting him to play. He’s a really talented player who’s obviously a great competitor. You don’t have the success he’s had without being a great competitor. I’m sure he’s seeing the end of his only year in college right in front of him, so I’m sure he’s going to come out and try to capture that moment and make the most of it.”

The McKale mood

Kansas’ Allen Fieldhouse is one of the best environments in college hoops and can have an impact on games, something Arizona has experienced twice in the past 12 months. But now the Jayhawks get to visit what had been the toughest place to play in the Pac-12.