More fans started to turn on Darryn Peterson on Monday for sitting out Kansas’ biggest game of the year.
The Jayhawks star was not in the lineup for his team’s clash against the Wildcats at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kan. The 18-year-old was reportedly experiencing flu-like symptoms that kept him out of the game.
Missing a game due to an illness wouldn’t be much of an issue for any college hooper other than Peterson, who has been questioned on his desire to play at all this season. Several fans piled on Peterson for letting a flu keep him out of his team’s most significant home game of the season.
i’m sorry but darryn peterson is pathetic. unserious basketball player. cam boozer would never
— david (@dpottzzz) February 10, 2026
Yeah I wouldn’t pick Darryn Peterson if I had the 1st pick bro misses to many games. You missing the game against the #1 team in the country because of flu like symptoms?? Don’t compare him to Kobe no more please
— the real dot 💎 (@dotbainga) February 10, 2026
Darryn Peterson should at least do us the dignity of faking a hamstring thing again
— WBR (@W_B_Rick) February 10, 2026
“Flu-like symptoms” is just insulting
Peterson, who is projected to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, had some fans starting to doubt him over his propensity for missing games.
Darryn Peterson is so good but I’m starting to worry about him. I understand not playing if you are hurt but not playing in the biggest game of the season at home against the #1 team in the country is kinda crazy.
— Ricky Dunnavan (@BRGD314) February 10, 2026
Darryn Peterson resume so far:
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) February 10, 2026
* Missed half of Kansas' games
* Sat out 2nd half against your biggest competition for No. 1 pick (AJ Dybantsa)
* Sat out vs. No. 1 team in the country
I know this will be unpopular on Twitter – but no way I'm drafting him No. 1 overall pic.twitter.com/rU7y2ab9EB
What makes assessing Peterson so difficult is the otherworldly talent he showcases when he does play. The Kansas star completely outclassed fellow top prospect AJ Dybantsa in the first half of their matchup last month, then proceeded to sit out most of the second half due to cramps.
Peterson looks like a man among boys when he takes the floor for Kansas. Only time will tell whether his supposed disinterest fades once he gets to the next level or if he ends up becoming the next Ben Simmons.
