Darryn Peterson shrugs off criticism as Kansas makes comeback win over Houston

Kansas freshman star Darryn Peterson returned to the court on Monday as the Jayhawks secured an important win over Houston. Fans had been giving the rookie guard a hard time lately because he had missed games and played only a few minutes.

Some even wondered if he was trying to protect his NBA Draft stock. But Peterson's performance against a top-ranked opponent brought the emphasis back to basketball.Kansas defeated Houston 69–56 in a key Big 12 matchup, showing strong team balance and defensive effort. Peterson played a crucial role in the victory, finishing with 14 points along with four rebounds and one assist. While the stat line was below his season average of nearly 20 points per game, his presence on the floor provided stability for the Jayhawks.

What did Darryn Peterson say about criticism after Kansas return?

After the game, Peterson addressed the criticism surrounding his recent absences. The projected top NBA Draft pick made it clear that outside opinions are not affecting his mindset.

“Somebody has something to say probably after every game this year. I don’t even pay attention anymore,” Peterson said.He explained that missing games was never part of his plan and that basketball remains his main focus. Peterson noted that if he had the choice, he would have played every game this season.

The freshman also spoke about his appreciation for the Kansas environment, saying the atmosphere during the Houston game was one of the reasons he chose the program.His comments reflected a calm approach as he prepares for the final stretch of the college season while also looking ahead to the NBA Draft.

How many minutes did Darryn Peterson play today?

Peterson played for about 30 minutes versus Houston, which is one of his longer games in the last several weeks. His playing time had been closely monitored earlier, which fueled speculation about load management and injury concerns.

During the game, he delivered several timely plays, including a floater before halftime that capped an 11-0 run. He later hit key three-pointers in the second half that helped Kansas extend its lead and control the closing minutes.

Head coach Bill Self suggested that Peterson’s absences may have helped other players develop, forcing the team to grow without its star guard. Against Houston, that growth was visible as multiple Jayhawks scored in double figures.Kansas improved its position in the Big 12 standings with the victory and showed it can compete with top opponents when fully healthy. For Peterson, the performance was less about numbers and more about being back on the court.As the season moves toward March, Peterson’s availability and form will remain a major storyline both for Kansas’ championship hopes and his expected rise in the NBA Draft.