KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It was pretty much a formality, at this point, but Kansas Jayhawks freshman guard Darryn Peterson on Friday declared himself eligible for the 2026 NBA draft.

The 6-foot-6 men’s basketball star from Canton, Ohio, announced his decision on social media Friday morning. Peterson spent his freshman season at KU.

“After much reflection and prayer, I am proud to announce my decision to declare for the NBA draft,” Peterson wrote in part of his statement. “This has been my lifelong dream, and I am excited for the future. Rock Chalk Forever.”

Peterson averaged 20.2 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 43.8% from the field and 38.2% on 3-pointers in 24 games with the Jayhawks.

He was once considered the consensus No. 1-overall pick for what is considered one of the best draft classes in a long time, but that changed after an injury-riddled season.

Peterson is currently projected as a top-three pick despite his tumultuous lone season with the Jayhawks. The one-and-done prospect missed 11 games due to a variety of ailments described as cramping, a quad injury, a hamstring injury, a turned ankle and illness.

When he did play, Peterson was rarely fully healthy.

Still, multiple NBA scouts told The Star throughout the season that he’s a strong contender for the top pick and unlikely to fall past No. 2, pending an evaluation of his health. He’s contending with BYU’s AJ Dybantsa for the chance to be picked No. 1 overall.

“I would take Darryn 10 (out of) 10, every time,” an NBA scout told The Star in late March. “I know too much. I’ve been around him too long.”

The NBA draft is set for June 23-24 in New York.

____

©2026 The Kansas City Star. Visit kansascity.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.