Sportsvival continues its in-depth look at the premier prospects projected for the 2026 NBA Draft, spotlighting emerging stars who have already cemented themselves as foundational players for elite college programs. Today’s profile turns to Darryn Peterson, Kansas’ multi-level scoring guard whose blend of size, shot creation, defensive versatility, and competitive maturity has made him one of the most complete backcourt prospects in college basketball.
Darryn Peterson - PG/SG Kansas 6'6" 195 lbs
Background and Recruit Profile
High school: Huntington Prep (Huntington, WV) / later transferred to Prolific Prep (Napa, CA); consensus five-star recruit and one of the top guards in the 2025 class.
Recruitment and decision: Coveted nationally with major offers from Kentucky, UNC, Alabama, and Arkansas. Ultimately signed with Kansas, drawn by Bill Self’s guard-development pipeline and the opportunity to contribute early in a title-contending environment.
Recruit rating and trajectory: Viewed as a long-term NBA-caliber guard throughout his prep career. Peterson entered college with pro expectations and has already shown the polish, shot-making, and poise that align with a future lottery selection. Kansas has built its offense around his versatility and creation ability from Day 1.
Physical Profile and Measurables
Height and weight: 6 ft 6 in; 195 lbs.
Frame and length: Pro-ready guard frame with long arms, broad shoulders, and outstanding balance through contact. Room to add functional strength without sacrificing fluidity.
Athletic traits: Explosive first step, smooth body control, and elite change-of-pace ability. Leverages length to finish at difficult angles, with advanced footwork and agility to create separation on-demand.
College Career and Production
Peterson has only played two collegiate games so far, but is averaging 21.5 points per game. He scored 22 points against North Carolina in his second game.
Strengths
Three-level scoring polish
Elite shot creator who scores comfortably from anywhere on the floor.
Tight handle with advanced combos.
Fluid pull-up mechanics from mid-range and three.
Shows mature pacing, never rushed, always in control.
Playmaking instincts
Not a pure point guard, but an intelligent advantage-creator.
Reads rotating defenses.
Executes precise skip passes and drop-offs.
Shows natural feel in pick-and-roll situations.
Switchable defender who can guard 1–3 at the college level.
Weaknesses
Can be bumped off angles by strong defenders.
Will need added muscle to finish through bigs at the next level.
Forces tight-window passes.
Handle can get loose against elite pressure.
Tools are excellent, but technique can waver.
Must refine footwork to stay in front of elite NBA guards.
Player Profile and Projection
Draft projection: Top-5 to Top-10 selection, trending toward the upper lottery depending on efficiency and continued playmaking progression.
Role projection: Day-1 rotation guard with long-term upside as a primary scoring option or high-end secondary creator on a playoff team.
Ceiling and floor:
Ceiling: A franchise-level two-way scoring guard capable of averaging 20+ PPG with high-level playmaking, an All-Star archetype.
Floor: A dependable multi-role starter who adds scoring, length, and defensive versatility as a high-minutes combo guard.
Pro Comparison
Primary comparison: Jalen Green with more playmaking polish / Anthony Edwards-lite tools
Peterson brings the size, fluidity, and natural scoring of a top-tier NBA guard prospect, but pairs it with better pacing, defensive potential, and decision-making than many young scoring guards entering the league. His combination of three-level scoring and frame-driven versatility gives him a trajectory that mirrors high-impact modern backcourt stars.
Sportsvival View
Sportsvival views Darryn Peterson as one of the premier guards in the 2026 NBA Draft class and arguably the most polished freshman scorer in the country. His size, advanced shot creation, competitive focus, and versatility form one of the safest, and highest-upside, profiles in the draft. Continued physical development and defensive refinement could elevate him into Top-3 consideration and potentially the top guard off the board on draft night.
(photo courtesy of Kansas Athletics)