LAWRENCE, Kan. — The No. 9 Kansas Jayhawks will be without their leading scorer and projected top NBA draft pick, Darryn Peterson, for tonight’s high-stakes matchup against No. 1 Arizona. The star freshman was officially ruled out Monday evening, February 09 2026, just moments before tip-off at Allen Fieldhouse.
According to team officials and reports from ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Peterson is sidelined due to flu-like symptoms. While the 6-foot-6 guard participated in initial warmups with the team, he was ultimately deemed unable to play. This late scratch comes as a significant blow to the Jayhawks (18-5), who are looking to upend the top-ranked Wildcats.
A Season Defined by Brilliance and Absence
Peterson has been a revelation when on the court this season, averaging 20.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. Shooting an efficient 48.9% from the field, the Canton, Ohio native has solidified his status as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. However, availability has become the “defining pattern” of his freshman campaign; Peterson has now missed 11 games this season due to various injuries and illnesses.
Despite the limited sample size of just 13 games played, NBA scouts remain enamored with his physical tools. Peterson boasts a 6-foot-10.5 wingspan and a “cut-up” 205-pound frame that allows him to bully smaller defenders. His ability to score at all three levels—highlighted by a career-high 32 points earlier this season—keeps him at the top of most draft big boards alongside AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer.
Impact on the Big 12 Standings
Without Peterson’s 20-plus points in the lineup, Kansas head coach Bill Self will likely lean more heavily on his veteran supporting cast to fill the offensive void. The Jayhawks are currently fighting for positioning in a crowded Big 12 Conference, and a win against No. 1 Arizona would have served as a major resume booster for NCAA Tournament seeding.
Peterson, who turned 19 in January, remains the highest-rated recruit for Kansas since Andrew Wiggins. While his “one-and-done” aspirations remain firmly on track, fans and analysts alike are concerned about the frequency of his absences during this pivotal stretch of the season.
This is a developing story. Check back for post-game updates and Peterson’s status for the Jayhawks’ next contest.