- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Bill Self Defends Star Player Darryn Peterson's Injury Absences
Kansas coach refutes narratives about freshman's inconsistent availability this season
Feb. 12, 2026 at 3:55pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self strongly pushed back on the criticism surrounding star freshman guard Darryn Peterson's inconsistent availability this season, calling the narratives "just not remotely true." Peterson has missed 11 games due to various injuries and illnesses, but Self insisted the absences were legitimate and the result of "a string of bad luck" rather than any lack of toughness or commitment from the talented 19-year-old.
Why it matters
Peterson is considered one of the top NBA prospects in college basketball, so questions about his durability and availability could impact his draft stock. However, Self defended his star player, arguing that the injuries and illnesses that have sidelined Peterson were real and not the result of any deeper issues.
The details
Peterson missed the Jayhawks' recent upset win over No. 1 Arizona due to flu-like symptoms. Self said Peterson tried to participate in shootaround but was lightheaded and the medical staff ruled him out. Self pushed back on the "narratives" surrounding Peterson's absences, saying the player has dealt with a "string of bad luck" including a legitimate hamstring strain, cramping issues, and a bad ankle sprain.
- On February 11, 2026, Peterson missed the win over Arizona due to flu-like symptoms.
- Peterson returned to practice this week and is hoping to be closer to full speed before Saturday's game against Iowa State.
The players
Darryn Peterson
A 19-year-old freshman phenom for the Kansas Jayhawks, considered one of the top NBA prospects in college basketball.
Bill Self
The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team, who defended Peterson against the "narratives" surrounding his injury absences this season.
What they’re saying
“I have gotten on X and read some of the things and narratives that are out there about him, and it's really not remotely true.”
— Bill Self, Head Coach, Kansas Jayhawks
“Was his hamstring legit? Hell yes. Was his cramping legit? Yes. Did he turn his ankle bad? Yes... He's had a string of bad luck. Those narratives are BS.”
— Bill Self, Head Coach, Kansas Jayhawks
What’s next
Peterson is hoping to be closer to full speed before Saturday's massive Big 12 road game against No. 5 Iowa State.
The takeaway
This case highlights the challenges star college basketball players can face in dealing with injuries and illnesses, and how coaches must sometimes push back against narratives that don't fully capture the reality of a player's situation. Self's defense of Peterson suggests the Jayhawks remain confident in their star freshman's long-term NBA prospects despite the inconsistent availability this season.
