Kansas Star Darryn Peterson Out vs. Duke Due to Injury

URGENT UPDATE: Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson, considered the projected 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 announcement came just hours before the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden, significantly impacting a matchup between two college basketball powerhouses.

In a statement via X, Kansas head coach Bill Self confirmed, “[Peterson] continues to make progress from his hamstring strain. He will be reevaluated at the end of the week.” This development raises concerns as Peterson has already missed the last two games for the Jayhawks.

Peterson’s absence not only diminishes the excitement surrounding the game but also shifts the spotlight to other rising stars. Cameron Boozer, a standout freshman for No. 5 Duke and son of former NBA star Carlos Boozer, is among the elite talents expected to shine in this matchup. Both players are part of a select group projected to be top picks in the 2024 NBA Draft.

The loss of Peterson is significant for Kansas, currently ranked No. 24, as they face a Duke team with a formidable roster including projected first-round picks Dame Sarr and Isaiah Evans. Kansas will look to players like Flory Bidunga, who is averaging 17.0 PPG, and Illinois transfer Tre White, averaging 12.0 PPG, to fill the void left by Peterson.

This matchup was already generating buzz following Peterson’s impressive performance earlier this season, where he scored 22 points in a loss to North Carolina on November 7. His dynamic play had positioned him as a key figure in Kansas’ offense, and fans are eager to see how the team adapts in his absence.

Kansas is set to compete against Notre Dame and Syracuse in the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas on November 20 and November 21, before facing UConn a week later. The Jayhawks will need to rally quickly to maintain their competitiveness in a loaded schedule without their star player.

As the game approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how both teams adapt to the changing circumstances. With high stakes in this legendary rivalry, the absence of Peterson adds an unexpected twist to an already thrilling season.