Kansas Jayhawks face turmoil as star forward Darryn Peterson battles recurring injuries, missing 11 games this season. Despite averaging 27.2 minutes per game, his availability has fluctuated dramatically, including a late exit against Oklahoma State and a flu-like illness that kept him out of the pivotal Arizona upset. Coach John Self admitted frustration, noting Peterson's inconsistent participation disrupted team chemistry and rhythm. Without Peterson, Kansas scored 82 points against Arizona; with him playing 32 minutes against Cincinnati, the offense stalled at 68 points.

The freshman's injury saga has drawn intense scrutiny, with ESPN's Stephen A. Smith publicly questioning his draft stock. Peterson, the projected No. 1 pick, has faced criticism for midgame cramps and limited playing time, contradicting his preseason promise to elevate the team. Teammates like Flory Bidunga joked about needing to "cut him off" after Self's emotional postgame hugs following the Arizona win. His absence in key moments has raised concerns about Kansas' NCAA tournament readiness.

Peterson's work ethic remains unquestioned, but his physical struggles have created a narrative of unpredictability. While peers like Duke's Cameron Boozer log 34+ minutes nightly, Peterson's 18-minute stint against Oklahoma State marked his shortest appearance. Self acknowledged he hasn't had full control over Peterson's development, stating, "Have I really had a chance to coach you yet?" The Jayhawks' two-narrative season—dominant with Peterson, inconsistent without—highlights the precarious balance between star power and team cohesion.

With the NCAA tournament approaching, all eyes are on whether Peterson can stay healthy for March. His father's strict upbringing, including drills like tossing passes into garbage cans, underscores his commitment, yet the injuries persist. If selected No. 1 overall, Peterson would join only two players since 2000 with 10+ missed games, per ESPN Research. For Kansas, the season hinges on resolving this uncertainty before the final stretch.