Kansas Guard Darryn Peterson Declares for NBA Draft

Darryn Peterson, a freshman guard for the Kansas Jayhawks, has declared for the NBA Draft. He averaged 20.2 points per game in his single season with the team.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

Darryn Peterson, a freshman guard for the Kansas Jayhawks, has declared for the upcoming NBA Draft. The announcement, made Friday via social media, was largely anticipated by observers following his single season in Lawrence. Peterson is widely projected as a top draft pick, with some projections placing him within the first three selections.

Peterson's freshman campaign was marked by flashes of offensive talent, evidenced by his 20.2 points per game average. However, his season was also impacted by a series of injuries and ailments, leading him to miss 11 games. These health issues included a hamstring injury and an ankle sprain, which sidelined him for significant portions of the season.

Despite the health setbacks, Peterson garnered significant accolades. He was named an All-America honorable mention, secured a spot on the All-Big 12 second team, and was selected to the All-Big 12 freshman team. His performance culminated in a career-best 32 points in a comeback victory against TCU and crucial late-game plays, including tying and winning shots on the road against Texas Tech.

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The declaration places Peterson in a cohort of notable college underclassmen entering the professional ranks. Other freshmen, such as Koa Peat from Arizona and Nate Ament from Tennessee, have also declared for the draft. This trend underscores the increasing tendency for highly touted prospects to make the leap to the NBA after a single collegiate season.

Peterson arrived at Kansas as a highly sought-after recruit, considered a top prospect in his high school class. His decision to enter the draft follows a period of "reflection and prayer," as stated in his announcement. Mock drafts vary on his exact positioning, with some placing him as high as No. 2 overall and others, like that of NBA analyst Kevin O'Connor, forecasting him to be selected at No. 4 by the Oklahoma City Thunder. His lone season with the Jayhawks concluded with their NCAA Tournament exit on March 22.

Read More: Kansas Guard Darryn Peterson Declares for NBA Draft

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson declare for the NBA Draft?
Darryn Peterson, a freshman guard for the Kansas Jayhawks, announced on Friday that he is entering the NBA Draft. This decision was widely expected by basketball fans and analysts.
Q: How did Darryn Peterson perform in his freshman season at Kansas?
Peterson averaged 20.2 points per game for the Jayhawks. Despite missing 11 games due to injuries like a hamstring issue and ankle sprain, he earned All-America honorable mention and All-Big 12 second-team honors.
Q: Where is Darryn Peterson projected to be drafted?
Darryn Peterson is considered a top prospect in the NBA Draft. Some projections place him as high as the third pick overall, with others suggesting he could be selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 4.
Q: What does Darryn Peterson's decision mean for other college players?
Peterson's move to enter the NBA Draft after one college season follows a trend seen with other highly-rated freshmen like Koa Peat and Nate Ament. It shows that many top young players are choosing to go professional after their first year in college.