KU’s Darryn Peterson showcases different side after No. 2 selection by Utah Jazz
A version of Darryn Peterson that the public didn’t see much of last season at Kansas showed up Tuesday night at the NBA Draft.
He was bold, comfortable and in complete control in every interview and news conference setting.
Peterson showcased a swagger that toed the line between confidence and self-assuredness often seen in superstar athletes. It’s something that rival BYU forward AJ Dybantsa has shown throughout the year.
The two are once again rivals with Dybantsa going No. 1 overall to the Washington Wizards.
The 6-foot-5 guard from Canton, Ohio, wanted to make one thing clear after he was picked second overall by the Utah Jazz: He believed he should have been picked first.
Still, he’s excited about his future with the Jazz. When asked about Utah, he couldn’t stop grinning.
“I remember meeting with them in Chicago and telling my agent: ‘I know I want to be a No. 1 pick, but I have that great connection with Utah, and I wouldn’t be upset if they called,’” he said. “I think when I didn’t work out with them, I think there was a misconception that I didn’t want to play with them for some reason.
“Me being me, my main goal is No. 1. So me and my team decided that was the best place for me to go work out, but definitely happy that Utah picked me and can’t wait to go work. I think it’s a great fit.”
Peterson’s lone season at Kansas was turbulent as he dealt with injuries and ailments that kept him out of 11 games. He admitted he wasn’t completely himself at Kansas.
He’s hoping that doesn’t happen again. In fact, one of his three goals for his rookie NBA season is to play every game.
“Play 82 games — coming off the year I had at Kansas, I didn’t get to play all the games that I wanted to,” he said. “My first goal is to play all 82. Make the playoffs. Try to get a ring.”
Despite a difficult season, he was the highest-selected KU player since Andrew Wiggins was taken first overall in 2014.
He doesn’t take that for granted.
“Means a lot. Some of the hard work paying off,” Peterson said. “Had a great year at Kansas. Would do it a million more times. And Rock Chalk. Appreciate all those guys. Hopefully, they continue to be fans, and hope they are now Utah fans.”
Perhaps those Kansas fans will see this new version of Peterson in the NBA. After all, he’s determined to prove he should’ve been the first pick — and the best of the first eight picks, all of whom were freshmen.
“I’m coming for these guys like I’ve been coming for them my whole career,” he said. “So I’m going to continue to do that. And now I’m going into a room with better players, and I’m coming for these guys, too. I’m going to work my butt off.”
