University of Kansas first-year guard Darryn Peterson announced his intention to enter the NBA draft on Friday, a move that had been widely anticipated since he first stepped foot on campus. The talented scorer is expected to be chosen within the top three selections when the draft takes place in June.
Standing 6-foot-6, Peterson displayed moments of exceptional talent during his time with the Jayhawks, though his season was marked by significant challenges. Early in the year, he faced a serious full-body cramping condition that landed him in the hospital, and subsequent injuries and illness forced him to sit out 11 contests, preventing him from developing consistent chemistry with his fellow players.
Despite the missed time, Peterson managed to put up impressive numbers, posting 20.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while connecting on 38.2% of his three-point attempts across 24 appearances.
His performance peaked during postseason play, where he found his stride by dropping 24 points against TCU and contributing 14 against Houston in Big 12 Tournament action. Peterson then exploded for 28 points in Kansas’ opening-round NCAA tournament victory over Cal Baptist, followed by a 21-point effort in their heartbreaking second-round defeat to St. John’s.
“To my teammates, friends and everyone at the University of Kansas, a heartfelt thank you!” Peterson posted to social media Friday. “Your belief in me, your encouragement and your constant support have been invaluable every step of the way. This journey has been everything to me, and none of it would have been possible without your love, support and sacrifices.”
Draft experts are split between Peterson and BYU’s A.J. Dybantsa for the number one overall selection, with Duke’s Cameron Boozer also being mentioned as a potential top pick.
Basketball analysts have frequently compared Peterson to Phoenix Suns five-time All-Star Devin Booker, who stands 6-foot-5. Both players possess the versatility to score from anywhere on the court and have the athletic ability to play beyond their physical dimensions.
Peterson’s declaration followed Dybantsa’s announcement by just one day, with the BYU star making his draft intentions known in his hometown of Brockton, Massachusetts.
Dybantsa topped the nation in scoring with 25.5 points per game while also recording 6.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists. His statistical achievement makes him the first player since Larry Bird’s 1978-79 season at Indiana State to post those numbers and earn consensus All-American honors.
Tennessee freshman Nate Ament also entered the draft conversation on Thursday after appearing in all 35 games as a starter and averaging 16.7 points with 6.3 rebounds. His announcement came via Instagram, where he expressed gratitude to the Volunteers program.
“I promise to always represent the Vols with the upmost pride,” Ament wrote. “This University means more to me than just basketball — to me it’s a place I call home. I might’ve only been here a year but I’ll remember this year for the rest of my life.”
Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. made his draft declaration on Wednesday, joining LSU legend Pete Maravich as the only SEC players to lead the conference in both scoring (23.5 points per game) and assists (6.4 per game) in a single season.
Both Ament and Acuff are considered strong candidates to be selected within the draft’s top 10 picks.
