The 2026 NBA Draft unfolded with a surprise that sent shockwaves through college basketball circles, as Kansas guard Darryn Peterson heard his name called second overall by the Utah Jazz.
A Record‑Breaking Freshman Year
Peterson capped his debut season with a scoring average of 20.2 points per game, ranking as the highest freshman average in Kansas history. He knocked down 63 three‑pointers and produced 12 performances of at least 20 points, showcasing a blend of shooting range and poise that turned heads across the league.
Coach Bill Self’s Praise
Bill Self, the winningest coach in Kansas basketball history, lauded Peterson’s upside, stating that the young guard has as much potential as any player to emerge from the program and could become a cornerstone for the Jazz.
A Reunion in Utah
Peterson will join former Jayhawk Svi Mykhailiuk in Salt Lake City, a pairing that could reshape the Jazz’s backcourt dynamics and provide a familiar link to the university’s recent successes.
A Storied Draft Legacy
The selection marks the fifth time a Kansas player has been drafted by the Utah Jazz, tying the program with notable alumni such as Greg Ostertag, Jacque Vaughn and Melvin Council. Overall, Peterson becomes the 20th lottery pick in Kansas history and the 14th under Self, pushing the university’s total NBA draft selections to 90, including 32 during the Self era.
A Program’s Reach
Since the NBA adopted a two‑round draft in 1989, Kansas has produced 29 first‑round picks and 47 total selections, a testament to the school’s enduring talent pipeline. The NBA, Kansas University and the Utah Jazz all celebrated the milestone, highlighting the global impact of the Jayhawk brand.