Darryn Peterson showcases 1st overall pick potential in March Madness win over California Baptist

Darryn Peterson delivered a breakout performance in his NCAA tournament debut Friday night, leading the No. 4 seed Kansas Jayhawks basketball team to a 68-60 win vs. California Baptist. The freshman sensation dropped 28 points on 11-of-24 from the floor, including four 3-pointers, reinforcing his status as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. Peterson overcame a slow 0-for-6 start before erupting for 15 first-half points and carrying that momentum through the second half. His scoring proved critical as Kansas held off a late surge after building a 26-point lead in the second half. The performance drew immediate national attention, demonstrating his ability to produce under pressure on college basketball’s biggest stage.

SportsCenter Next took to X, formerly Twitter, to share the following post after the Jayhawks’ first-round win.

Darryn Peterson doing Darryn Peterson things in his NCAA tournament debut

Hooper pic.twitter.com/Ki8FNUtoA9

— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) March 21, 2026

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