KANSAS

Bill Self Makes Bold Statement on Incoming Freshman Darryn Peterson

Kansas' head coach has seen a handful of great prospects during his legendary career, and Peterson may be his most exciting.
Jackson Langendorf|
Mar 19, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self speaks to the media during a press conference at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Mar 19, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self speaks to the media during a press conference at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

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Kansas Jayhawks

Few college basketball minds have had the honor of coaching as many highly-touted recruits as Kansas’ head man Bill Self. During his tenure in Lawrence, Self has landed eight top ten recruits, including the nation’s top-ranked prospect three times.

The latest to join that list is incoming freshman Darryn Peterson – the No. 1 recruit in the country according to 247 Sports. 

Self has seen it all. From Andrew Wiggins and Josh Jackson – both of whom were the No. 1 prospect in their respective class – and even Joel Embiid, an at-the-time raw talent in need of nurturing that ultimately became an NBA MVP. Even then, Peterson rises to a nearly unfathomable standard in the eyes of Self, as the Jayhawks’ head coach made his eagerness to coach Peterson apparent:

“I’m probably as excited about coaching him [Peterson] as I am about anybody I’ve ever recruited,” said Self, according to Henry Greenstein of KU Sports. 

While the best prospect in high school basketball would excite any college coach, there’s a certain aspect of Peterson’s game and overall demeanor that truly sets him apart.

The phrase that constantly gets thrown around in discussions of Peterson? Mature beyond his years. 

The 6-foot-5 combo guard is always under control, playing the game at his pace, and picks apart defenses at will, whether as a scorer or a facilitator. His ability to understand his advantage against a defender, get to his spot, and score is simply unmatched.

Rarely rattled as a ball-handler and seemingly always making the right play, Peterson has the intangibles that can’t be taught.

With every tool imaginable in his game, Peterson is any coach's dream, and fortunately for Self and Kansas, he’s a reality.

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Jackson Langendorf
JACKSON LANGENDORF

Primarily covers Illinois football and basketball, and Kansas basketball, with an emphasis on analysis, features and recruiting. Langendorf, a third-generation University of Illinois alum, has been watching Illini basketball and football for as long as he can remember. An advertising student and journalism devotee, he has been writing for On SI since October 2024. He can be followed and reached on X @jglangendorf.

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