Kansas' Darryn Peterson Draws Kobe Bryant Comp Before BYU Showdown

The blue chip freshman is already earning rave reviews from scouts.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:55pm

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Kansas basketball freshman Darryn Peterson has been earning comparisons to NBA legends like Kobe Bryant and Devin Booker from scouts ahead of a big matchup against BYU. Peterson, a 19-year-old from Canton, Ohio, is averaging 21.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game this season while shooting 49.3% from the field. Analysts have raved about the talented freshman class in college basketball, with Peterson, BYU's AJ Dybantsa, and others drawing high praise.

Why it matters

Peterson's early success and lofty comparisons to NBA stars like Bryant and Booker have generated significant buzz around the young player and set high expectations for his performance against fellow top freshman Dybantsa in the marquee matchup between Kansas and BYU.

The details

ESPN college sports analyst Pete Thamel revealed that one scout compared Peterson's shot-making ability to that of the late Kobe Bryant, who was renowned for his crafty shot selection and ability to create his own scoring opportunities. Another scout comparison Thamel shared was to current NBA All-Star Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns. Through 18 games, the 6'6" Peterson is averaging 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and shooting 49.3% from the field.

  • Peterson and BYU's Dybantsa will face off on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Darryn Peterson

A 19-year-old freshman basketball player for the University of Kansas, known for his impressive scoring ability and drawing comparisons to NBA legends like Kobe Bryant and Devin Booker.

AJ Dybantsa

A freshman basketball player for Brigham Young University (BYU) who will be facing off against Peterson and Kansas on January 31, 2026.

Pete Thamel

An ESPN college sports analyst who revealed the Kobe Bryant and Devin Booker comparisons for Peterson from conversations with NBA scouts.

Wally Szczerbiak

A former NBA player who is now a college basketball analyst, and who praised the talented freshman class in college basketball including Peterson, Dybantsa, and others.

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What they’re saying

“One scout compared his shot making to Kobe Bryant.”

— Pete Thamel, ESPN college sports analyst

“Another popular comp is Devin Booker.”

— Pete Thamel, ESPN college sports analyst

“I think the five best players in college basketball are freshmen. You look at Boozer, Dybantsa, Peterson, [Kingston] Flemings and [Darius] Acuff. Shot-makers all over the place. Three freshmen at 40-plus points last Saturday. Can't wait to see what's in store for these guys the rest of the year.”

— Wally Szczerbiak, Former NBA player and college basketball analyst

What’s next

Peterson and Dybantsa will face off on Saturday, January 31, 2026 in a highly anticipated matchup between the two top freshmen.

The takeaway

The hype surrounding Darryn Peterson and the talented freshman class in college basketball this season has reached a fever pitch, with scouts and analysts drawing lofty comparisons to NBA superstars. This sets the stage for an exciting showdown between Peterson and fellow blue chip freshman Dybantsa as they look to prove themselves on the national stage.