Former NCAA Coach Concerned Over Darryn Peterson's Injury History

Bruce Pearl questions if the star freshman's health issues will carry over to the NBA

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Former Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl admitted he is concerned about Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson's constant absences from the lineup due to a "long list of different" injuries and illnesses. Pearl believes Peterson's injury history could affect his NBA draft stock, despite still being projected as a top pick. Other analysts like Jalen Rose share similar hesitations about Peterson's ability to handle the NBA's grueling 82-game schedule if he's struggled with a far less challenging college slate.

Why it matters

Peterson is considered one of the top prospects in the upcoming NBA Draft, but his injury history has raised questions about his durability and ability to stay on the court at the professional level. As Kansas pushes for a deep NCAA Tournament run, the Jayhawks need Peterson healthy and available to be a true title contender.

The details

In 24 games this season, Peterson has missed 11 due to a variety of soft-tissue injuries and illnesses. Former coaches like Pearl and analysts like Rose believe this could be a long-term concern, as the physical demands of the NBA may exacerbate Peterson's injury-prone tendencies. However, ex-Kentucky star Jamal Mashburn argued that players can't control when injuries occur and noted that Kansas has often played better in Peterson's absence due to the team's "NBA pro-style" of play under Bill Self.

  • Peterson has missed 11 out of 24 games this season due to hamstring, quad, and illness issues.
  • The 2026 NBA Draft is just months away, where Peterson is projected to be a top pick.

The players

Darryn Peterson

A freshman guard at the University of Kansas who is considered one of the top prospects in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.

Bruce Pearl

The former head coach of the Auburn Tigers men's basketball team, who expressed concerns about Peterson's injury history and how it may affect his NBA draft stock.

Jalen Rose

A former Michigan basketball star and current ESPN analyst, who shares similar hesitations about Peterson's ability to handle the rigors of an 82-game NBA schedule.

Jamal Mashburn

A former Kentucky basketball superstar and current analyst, who argued that players can't control when injuries occur and noted that Kansas has often played better in Peterson's absence.

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks, whose "NBA pro-style" of play has allowed the team to succeed even without Peterson in the lineup.

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What they’re saying

“If I was coaching in the NBA, I'm sorry, I would have some concern. Missing 11 out of 24 games for hamstrings and quad pulls and illnesses, just a long list of different things. My job is to coach the team, my job is to win championships. The general manager has got make another decision. I would be a little concerned about just how tough he is.”

— Bruce Pearl, Former Auburn Head Coach (TNT Sports U.S.)

“If he has a soft-tissue issue playing a collegiate schedule, and now he's getting to the NBA playing two times more games in the backcourt going against some of the fastest people in the world, and leading the defense and fighting through screens and stuff like that, I feel like it will affect his draft stock. There are certain players, unfortunately, who are just injury-prone.”

— Jalen Rose, ESPN Analyst (N/A)

“Players can't control when injuries or ailments take place in the middle of a season. When Peterson has been off the floor, his supporting cast has often played much better due to what I described as Bill Self's 'NBA pro-style' of play.”

— Jamal Mashburn, Former Kentucky Superstar (N/A)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.