Kansas' Bill Self gets candid on Darryn Peterson 'checking out': What's right, what's 'false', what's next
CBS Sports
by
Isaac Trotter
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Bill Self, Kansas' head coach, has addressed the growing speculation surrounding freshman star Darryn Peterson's inconsistent performance, particularly his ability to finish games. While some have suggested that Peterson is "checking out" or prioritizing his NBA prospects over college basketball, Self strongly refutes these claims. He argues that the reasons cited for Peterson's inability to finish games are largely false, attributing Peterson's missed appearances primarily to injuries rather than a lack of commitment. Self emphasizes that Peterson's dedication to the game and preparation are unmatched, dismissing the notion that he is disengaged or focused solely on his future in the NBA.
The debate over Peterson's focus has intensified as Kansas approaches a crucial game against Cincinnati. With the Jayhawks trailing Arizona and Houston by one game in the Big 12 standings, every contest is vital for their title hopes. Self acknowledges the noise surrounding Peterson but insists it doesn't distract him or his team. Instead, he believes the narrative has unfairly impacted Peterson, who remains focused on proving his critics wrong. "Play. Finish," Self said, highlighting the need for consistent performance to shift public perception.
Peterson's injury history, including hamstring issues, a sprained ankle, and cramps, has contributed to his 11 missed games this season. These setbacks have led to speculation about his long-term NBA prospects and whether he is managing his body for the draft. Self dismisses such claims, calling them "false" and emphasizing that Peterson's dedication to basketball is unwavering. The coach points out that few players invest as much time into improving their game outside of practice as Peterson does, underscoring his passion for the sport.
As Kansas prepares for Saturday's matchup with Cincinnati, all eyes will be on Peterson. Whether he can maintain his performance throughout the game will likely influence the ongoing discussions about his future. Self suggests that if Peterson can consistently finish games, the narrative surrounding his "checking out" will fade. He also questions whether such speculation would persist if Peterson weren't projected as a top NBA draft pick.
This situation matters to sports fans and analysts because it highlights the challenges of balancing college basketball success with potential professional aspirations. The debate over Peterson's commitment reflects broader conversations about athlete motivation, injury management, and public perception in high-stakes sports. For Kansas, navigating this narrative while competing for a conference title adds another layer of complexity to their season. Whether Peterson can silence his critics with strong performances will be a key factor
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/20/2026