Darryn Peterson Durability Drama But Still No 1 NBA Draft Pick

Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson has shown star flashes but has missed significant time this season — 11 full games with a hamstring, cramps, a rolled ankle and flu-like symptoms — and exited after 18 minutes in Kansas’ 81-69 win over Oklahoma State. Scouts told The Athletic they are not panicking about his pro ceiling; one said, "I haven't heard, from anyone I've talked to, like, 'Wow, he's going (pick No.) 10 now,'" and noted he is "such a valuable archetype." Peterson averages 20.0 points in 26.9 minutes, shooting 48.5 percent overall and 43.1 percent from three. Merlin sees why the league still salivates. The 2026 freshman class is deep, but Peterson remains in No. 1 discussions and drew an Anthony Edwards comparison in mock drafts. Scouts call him "He's elite, elite, elite" when healthy. Durability is a question, not a verdict, and availability this spring will shape whether his draft crown holds.