(#2) Darryn Peterson
2025-26 stats: 20.0 PPG (48.5 FG%, 43.1 3P%), 3.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Because Peterson entered college as the No. 1 guard in the country, he’s been penciled in as the top point guard in the 2026 NBA Draft class. However, ESPN had Peterson listed as a shooting guard. On3/Rivals and 247 Sports had him classified as a shooting guard or a combo guard, respectively. All of that is to say that ranking Peterson among the point guards could be an inherently flawed exercise.
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In any case, Peterson’s most outstanding skill is his ability to score on and off the ball, highlighted by him averaging 43.8 points per 100 possessions. His shooting stroke is pure and he gets great elevation on his jumpers while already being 6-foot-5. His first step isn’t necessarily spectacular, which may play a part in why he’s often playing off-ball in the Jayhawks’ offense. Nevertheless, his combination of his burst, length and ball-handling makes it easy for him to penetrate the lane. With that in mind, he gets to the free-throw line quite often (35.8% free-throw attempt rate), a skill in and of itself.
When Peterson does get the opportunity though, it’s easy to see how a team could be comfortable with him operating as the primary initiator. He’s an astute facilitator who reads the floor well and he can make any pass. Fullcourt outlets. Drop passes from a side pick-and-roll. 22-foot lobs. The fact that he only has 22 assists in 15 games is unfortunate, as those numbers do his passing ability a real disservice.
At the other end, Peterson’s not quite locking guys up but he’s a plus-defender. His size, fluidity and technique allow him to hold his own man-on-man. He’s tenacious enough to make plays as a help defender too.
On the down side, his lack of durability can’t be ignored.
