Kansas Star Darryn Peterson Out with Hamstring Injury vs. Duke

UPDATE: Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson, projected as the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, will miss the highly anticipated game against Duke on November 14, 2023, due to a hamstring injury, the university confirmed just hours ago. This injury significantly impacts the showdown at Madison Square Garden, where two of college basketball’s most storied programs are set to clash.

Kansas head coach Bill Self stated in a tweet, “[Peterson] continues to make progress from his hamstring strain. He will be reevaluated at the end of the week.” This news follows Peterson’s absence in the previous two games, raising concerns about a longer recovery period.

The matchup against Duke features rising star Cameron Boozer, son of former NBA player Carlos Boozer, and is now missing its key highlight with Peterson sidelined. The absence of the talented freshman diminishes the excitement surrounding the game, which was already generating buzz for showcasing elite prospects.

Peterson’s impressive early season performance included a dazzling 21-point stretch during an exhibition against Louisville and 22 points against North Carolina on November 7, marking his last appearance. Kansas now relies on other players such as Flory Bidunga (averaging 17.0 PPG) and Illinois transfer Tre White (averaging 12.0 PPG) to step up against a formidable Duke team.

Duke, ranked No. 5, boasts a strong roster that includes projected first-round picks Dame Sarr and Isaiah Evans, as they aim for victory in this crucial game. The stakes are high, and Kansas will face additional challenges as they prepare for matches against Notre Dame and Syracuse in the coming days.

Fans and analysts alike are waiting to see how Peterson progresses through his recovery. His absence not only affects Kansas but also the dynamics of this year’s NBA Draft, where his name was anticipated to be among the top selections.

As developments unfold, stay tuned for updates on Peterson’s condition and the outcome of this marquee game between Kansas and Duke.