Peterson’s Hamstring Injury: Is a Stunning Return Just Days Away?

Kansas basketball’s rising star, Darryn Peterson, is currently on the sidelines, leaving fans and the team eager for his comeback. The freshman phenom missed his third consecutive game during Tuesday’s tough 78-66 defeat to Duke at the Champions Classic. While the specifics point to a pesky hamstring strain—something the staff only recently disclosed—the encouraging news is that head coach Bill Self holds optimism that Peterson’s return is just around the corner. After all, the Jayhawks are counting on his electric scoring ability and prowess on the court to recharge their lineup as they prepare for crucial upcoming matchups. As the team waits anxiously for clearance from trainers later this week, the burning question remains: will Peterson shine again in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas or shortly thereafter? LEARN MORE

Peterson’s hamstring still a concern, but Self says return is close originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Kansas freshman standout Darryn Peterson remains sidelined for now, but head coach Bill Self expects the wait to be short. Peterson missed his third straight game on Tuesday night, a 78–66 loss to Duke at the Champions Classic in New York.

The school listed his issue as a hamstring strain, the first time it has been described that way publicly. Self said the staff is encouraged by how things are progressing, even if the guard isn’t ready yet.

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“He’s had hamstring tightness, which is caused by a slight hamstring strain,” Self said after the game. “Until that settles down, he’s not going to feel confident pushing off it. We actually feel good about what we’re doing. We don’t think it’ll be long.”

Peterson has also dealt with cramping, though Self said that part seems to have calmed down. The plan is for Kansas trainers to reevaluate him later this week, which will help determine whether he can take part in next week’s Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.

What comes next for Kansas

The Jayhawks face Notre Dame on Monday and Syracuse on Tuesday, then a third opponent on Wednesday. Self didn’t rule out Peterson missing the entire event.

“He could not be available to us,” Self said. “We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Before the injury, Peterson averaged 21.5 points over his first two games and immediately looked like one of the top young guards in the country. He entered the season as the No. 2 recruit in the SC NEXT 100 and is projected as the No. 1 pick in ESPN’s 2026 mock draft.

Without him, Kansas has leaned harder on Loyola Chicago transfer Jayden Dawson and redshirt freshman Bryson Tiller. Tre White stepped up with 22 points against Duke, while Melvin Council Jr. and Flory Bidunga also carried part of the offensive load.

Kansas will get Peterson back at some point… The only question now is whether it happens in Las Vegas or soon after.

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