Darryn Peterson Sends 9-Word Message About Potentially Returning to Kansas Instead of Entering 2026 NBA Draft

With a lot of college basketball fans and NBA scouts watching his every move, Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson came off the bench for the Jayhawks on Saturday against the Kansas State Wildcats at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas.

Peterson not only scored 27 points in 29 minutes of action, but he also had a message for those wondering about his future.

Kansas’ Darryn Peterson Shares Words About His Future

After No. 14-ranked Kansas’ dominant 104-85 Big 12 Conference victory, Peterson addressed reporters. While he talked about his individual performance against Kansas State, along with his teammates, Peterson had a couple of words to say about his future.

Kole Emplit, sports director at KSNT 27 Sports in Topeka, Kansas, shared a clip of Peterson’s comments on X. Peterson told reporters, “I love Kansas, I love everything about being here and my team.” Teammate Melvin Council can be heard in the background chanting, “One more year.”

Peterson then added a nine-word message: “Maybe one more year. I might run it back.”

Darryn Peterson with a message for the critics:

“I love Kansas, I love everything about being here and my team.”

Melvin Council slowly chants ‘one more year’

DP: “Maybe one more year. I might run it back.”#kubball pic.twitter.com/P6MwUXrZY6

— Kole Emplit (@KoleEmplit) March 7, 2026

If Peterson decides to do so, Kansas head coach Bill Self will welcome him back with open arms. Yet there will be questions about Peterson’s future not only during the Big 12 Conference Tournament but also during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

During the 2025-26 college basketball season, Peterson has missed some games due to injuries or flu-like symptoms. There have been moments when Peterson took himself out of games, leaving fans to wonder if he’s truly committed to playing for the Jayhawks.

NBA scouts have been touting Peterson as a potential top draft pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Peterson’s comments on Saturday, though, might throw a wrench in those NBA hopes, at least for one day.

Peterson, a 6-foot-6, 205-pound freshman out of Canton, Ohio, is averaging 19.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, and is shooting 44.5% from the floor for the Jayhawks. Against the Wildcats on Saturday, Peterson shot 66.7% from the floor, 50.0% from behind the 3-point arc, and 85.7% from the free-throw line.

If Peterson brings those types of numbers into Kansas’ postseason hopes, Self and the Jayhawks might find themselves among the favorites for a Final Four appearance. But a lot of work remains ahead for Kansas at this moment.