Kansas Freshman Darryn Peterson Out for Duke Showdown with Hamstring Injury

New York, NY — Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson will miss Tuesday’s highly anticipated matchup against No. 5 Duke in the Champions Classic due to a hamstring injury, the school announced. Coach Bill Self indicated that Peterson is making progress but will be reevaluated at the end of the week.

This absence marks the third straight game Peterson has missed. He last played on November 7, scoring 22 points in a loss to North Carolina.

Peterson is considered one of the most promising prospects in college basketball, likened to future NBA stars. Self mentioned, “We’re not obviously gonna have him, you know, at least for the immediate future.” Kansas has already struggled without him, evident from their recent performances.

Throughout the season, Peterson showcased his potential by scoring 21 points in his collegiate debut against Louisville. He quickly gained attention as a top prospect for the next NBA draft. With both Peterson and Duke’s Cameron Boozer missing, the matchup loses some excitement for fans eagerly anticipating a battle of future NBA talents.

Although Kansas was hopeful for Peterson’s quick return, his absence means that others will need to step up. Veteran guard has averaged 10 points while new recruits will need to fill the void left by Peterson’s scoring ability.

Without Peterson, Kansas is labeled as an 11.5-point underdog against Duke, according to Sportsbook. Losing Peterson would be a significant blow for the Jayhawks, who are currently ranked No. 24 in the AP Top 25.

The excitement surrounding Peterson’s capability and his potential as a top pick in the draft escalates the stakes for the upcoming games he may miss. He has garnered attention for both his offensive and defensive skills, making his injuries all the more concerning for Kansas fans.