Kansas head coach Bill Self expressed genuine delight when Darryn Peterson heard his name called second overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, a moment that capped a whirlwind night for the young guard.
The draft night unfolded with Washington selecting BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick, before Utah moved up to secure Peterson at No. 2, a move that surprised even Self, who admitted he had not anticipated the guard’s ascent to the top tier.
Self, who coached Peterson for a single season at the University of Kansas, highlighted the guard’s 20.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game average, noting that the numbers only hint at a player who can evolve into a scoring point guard for the Jazz.
While acknowledging that health setbacks limited Peterson’s full potential in college, Self said the second‑overall slot will serve as a catalyst, driving the guard to prove his worth and to become a perennial all‑star in the league.
The coach also praised Utah’s front office and head coach for their vision, suggesting that the environment will allow Peterson to thrive despite the physical challenges that have historically hampered his development.
A New Chapter Begins
Peterson’s journey from Lawrence to Salt Lake City marks the start of a promising professional chapter, one that Self believes will be defined by relentless improvement and the pursuit of greatness, a narrative that will likely involve future matchups with Dybantsa that fans will eagerly anticipate.