Kansas' Darryn Peterson Sits Most of Second Half vs. BYU Due to Cramps

Head coach Bill Self explains why the standout freshman guard was limited in the second half.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:15pm

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Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson had a dominant first half against BYU, scoring 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting and playing strong defense. However, he played just three minutes in the second half as Kansas' lead dwindled, with head coach Bill Self revealing that Peterson was dealing with cramping issues.

Why it matters

Peterson's absence in the second half was a major factor as BYU was able to cut into Kansas' large lead. Cramping issues have been an ongoing concern for the talented freshman, and the Jayhawks will need him healthy and available as they continue their tough schedule against ranked opponents.

The details

After a stellar first half in which he showcased his full offensive arsenal, Peterson exited the game early in the second half. Head coach Bill Self said Peterson was dealing with cramping that became apparent at halftime, when Self could tell the freshman didn't have the same 'bounce' and 'pop' as he did earlier. Despite Peterson saying he was 'good' to go, Self opted to keep him on the bench as BYU mounted a comeback.

  • Peterson played just three minutes in the second half after a dominant first half performance.
  • At halftime, Bill Self could tell Peterson was dealing with cramping issues.

The players

Darryn Peterson

A standout freshman guard for the Kansas Jayhawks who had a dominant first half against BYU before being limited by cramping issues in the second half.

Bill Self

The head coach of the Kansas Jayhawks who explained why Peterson was limited in the second half due to cramping.

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What they’re saying

“It's disappointing that he couldn't go because of cramps. And he didn't cramp last game, but he did today. I certainly hope we can still figure that out.”

— Bill Self, Head Coach, Kansas Jayhawks

“At halftime, I could tell because, when he [was] leaving halftime, he didn't have the same bounce. He rides a bike at half and does some different things to stay loose. And he didn't say anything, but I could just tell. At halftime, I asked if he was good. And he said, 'I'm good.' But he didn't have the same response, the same pop as what he had before the game.”

— Bill Self, Head Coach, Kansas Jayhawks

What’s next

The Jayhawks will need to address Peterson's cramping issues ahead of their next game against No. 11 Texas Tech on Monday.

The takeaway

Cramping problems continue to be a concern for the talented Kansas freshman, and the Jayhawks will need to find a solution to keep their star guard healthy and available as they navigate a tough Big 12 schedule.