One part of Darryn Peterson’s cramping is still a mystery to KU basketball coaches
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Bill Self limits Darryn Peterson’s minutes after in-game cramping disrupted late play.
- Peterson still averages 22.6 points and 4.7 rebounds in 27.7 minutes per game.
- Coaching staff finds no clear minutes-cramp link; Self manages minutes by game response.
As the Kansas Jayhawks get further into Big 12 play, coach Bill Self is still trying to figure out how to manage star freshman Darryn Peterson’s minutes.
Peterson, who has dealt with cramping issues in recent weeks, played 31 minutes in KU’s recent loss to West Virginia. He checked out of the game with Kansas down seven and 1:28 to play. Self noted that Peterson was dealing with cramping late.
Peterson has played limited minutes in the second halves of games since returning from his two-game absence also caused by cramps.
He’s yet to play more than 32 minutes in any game. In both KU’s game against WVU and the overtime win over TCU, he played more first-half minutes than in the second half. He played 13 minutes in the second half Saturday and missed overtime entirely the game prior.
The KU staff is still trying to figure out the right formula.
“There’s no prediction on when or if things are going to start bothering him in the second half,” Self said. “There’s also no indication that we know of that the load actually impacts when that (cramping) actually occurs. No indication of that whatsoever.”
Peterson has practiced fully since his return, and multiple times Self has marveled about how he’s looked behind the scenes. Still, Self noted there’s a distinction between practice and actual games in how Peterson feels.
Asked by a Star reporter if Peterson’s minutes would generally be more front-loaded, Self said employing that strategy would only be guessing that it would make a difference.
“In practice, we haven’t had any indication regardless of the load if that actually impacts him,” Self said. “Whether we put him out there for 75 minutes in practice or as opposed to 45 minutes, he feels the exact same way at the end of 75 as he does the 45. There’s probably no medical way to actually determine what the best thing is.”
Despite not being 100% healthy in any of the seven games he has played, Peterson is still averaging 22.6 points and 4.7 rebounds in 27.7 minutes per game.
He and the Jayhawks (11-5, 1-2 Big 12) will look to bounce back against No. 2 Iowa State on Tuesday night at Allen Fieldhouse. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. and the game will be on ESPN.
This story was originally published January 12, 2026 at 6:04 PM.
