Kansas guard Darryn Peterson has filed for early entry into the 2026 NBA Draft, the program confirmed ahead of Friday’s deadline.
The 6-foot-6 freshman finished the season with 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 43.8% from the field, 38.2% beyond the arc and 82.6% at the free-throw line. His production earned him second-team All-Big 12 honors.
Peterson appeared in only 24 games because of hamstring and ankle injuries, as well as recurring full-body cramping. The interruptions cost him momentum in the race for the projected No. 1 pick and sparked questions about consistency and playmaking.
Despite the setbacks, the Ohio native remains highly regarded. He sits at No. 2 on ESPN’s current big board and holds the same position in Hoops Wire’s latest mock draft, which sends him to the Washington Wizards.
Over the coming weeks, Peterson will take part in medical examinations, team interviews and on-court workouts—steps that will help determine his final draft position.
Even with health concerns on record, league evaluators continue to label him one of the draft’s premier scorers with room to expand his creation skills.
Source: Hoops Wire
