Bill Self on how Darryn Peterson can change narrative: ‘Play. Finish’
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Kansas is currently seen as one of the top 10 teams in college basketball, but how far the Jayhawks go in March will heavily depend on star Darryn Peterson and how much he plays.
Peterson is being talked about a possible No. 1 draft pick, but his limited participation due to reported injuries is a concern for KU. Peterson’s participation has become one of the hottest topics in college basketball.
Kansas coach Bill Self had plenty to say when speaking to the media on Friday. Self took a notable stance. While he pushed back against speculated reasons for why Peterson doesn’t finish some games, the head Jayhawk also acknowledged the obvious way for Peterson to quiet the narrative surrounding him.
“It’s not a distraction as much for me, as it would be for him,” Self said. “For Darryn, obviously it would be, because I’ve heard some of the things that were said. The things that are said nationally, from the perspective in which they say it… is it fair or is a lot of the things they’ve actually said true? He hasn’t finished games. The reasons why they say he hasn’t finished games is 100% false.
“That’s the narrative being put out there, but the bottom line is that there is a way to change the narrative. Play. Finish. If his body allows him to, fantastic. If his body doesn’t allow him to, they’ll say something again the next game. But that’s the way to get people to stop talking.”
Bill Self responds to national criticism of Darryn Peterson. #KUbball
— Michael Swain (@MSwain247) February 20, 2026
He said Peterson loves basketball and the reasons why he isn't finishing games are not the reasons some are speculating nationally.
Full exchange pic.twitter.com/7BbBeQX74M
Self and No. 8 Kansas are certainly focused on the next game against Cincinnati on Saturday. Looking ahead, though, what are Kansas’s chances of winning the Big 12? On the Kalshi prediction market, the Jayhawks are currently the 4th-most popular pick.
It’s a deep year in the Big 12. With Peterson’s uncertainties, it’s not surprising to see the Jayhawks viewed as longshots.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
