Darryn Peterson Hints at Potential Kansas Return Amid 2026 NBA Draft Rumors
Projected top-two 2026 NBA draft pick Darryn Peterson didn't shut down the idea of returning for a second season with Kansas during a Saturday press conference.
Peterson was talking about his love for Kansas when Jayhawks guard Melvin Council started chanting "One more year," per KSNT 27's Kole Emplit.
"Maybe one more year. I might run it back," Peterson said with a smile.
Peterson has spent a significant portion of his freshman season either sidelined or playing limited minutes due to health issues, including what head coach Bill Self has consistently described as cramping.
When available, Peterson has averaged 19.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals in 19 games for the Jayhawks.
Despite his availability issues, Peterson is still projected as the No. 2 pick behind BYU's AJ Dybantsa in the latest mock draft by Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley.
"Even with the injury unknowns and inconsistent availability, the potential for a wholly elite shot-maker, multi-positional defender, and secondary playmaker is too much to pass up," Buckley wrote.
The Athletic's Sam Vecenie recently reported that NBA scouts are hoping to get more information as to the nature and long-term impact of Peterson's injuries before drafting him.
If Peterson were to return for another college season, Dybantsa would likely become the consensus top pick, while Duke's Cameron Boozer could climb into the No. 2 spot.
That seems unlikely, however, given that some people around the NBA are still debating as of late February whether Peterson should be the No. 1 pick despite his frequent absences this season, per Field of 68's Jeff Goodman.
Peterson has a $1.5 college NIL valuation by On3, and he's reportedly making multiple millions through NIL deals and revenue-sharing agreements, per The Athletic's Jerry Brewer.
That could still potentially pale in comparison to what Peterson could make in the NBA. San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper, for example, is making $12.37 million in salary this season after being selected with the No. 2 pick of the 2025 draft.
Before making any decisions regarding the NBA draft, Peterson and Kansas will focus on the upcoming Big 12 tournament. The Jayhawks' star freshman put up 27 points on Saturday against Kansas State to help his team clinch a double bye and send them straight into the conference tournament quarterfinals this Thursday.
