The plan has been there for Darryn Peterson for quite some time. Heralded as a middle schooler, the Canton (Ohio) native was already a well known name in basketball circles before he entered the high school ranks. He spent his first two years at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (Ohio), made the move to Huntington Prep (W.Va.) for his junior campaign, then ultimately transitioned to national powerhouse Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) for his final campaign. While some may consider going to three schools in four years a negative, the fact that the five star guard leveled up a platform every year was beneficial, both individually and from a team standpoint.
“I think it’s great. Every step of the journey has been a learning process for me”, Peterson told Ballilsife as he reflected on his high school career. “Obviously when we were at CVCA, we weren’t the best. Last year [at Huntington Prep], it got better and then this past year [at Prolific Prep], it was even better with all the talent we had. I have gotten better throughout the moves as well.”
The numbers back that up as well: 30.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.2 steals a night for one of the nation’s best teams for a national powerhouse. Prolific Prep backed it up as a team, too. The Crew won the Grind Session World Championship game, made the Final Four at Chipotle Nationals, and finished ranked No. 3 in the Ballslife FAB 50 rankings. Peterson made virtually every all-star game imaginable and was named the McDonald’s All-American Game Co-MVP, but there was one individual accolade that really stood out.
“I’d say the Naismith Player of The Year,” the 18-year old told Ballislife on which award meant the most. “Last year I made honorable mention, so just to go from that to winning it is an example of my hard work paying off.”
That it did. There was considerable growth in a number of areas of Peterson’s game, namely as a playmaker and as a 3-point shooter. More of a natural scorer, Prolific Prep coach Ryan Bernardi put the rock in DP’s hands and let him go to work from the point guard spot. The 6-foot-5 guard was elite in pick and roll play, showed great patience calling for and rejecting screens, and constantly made high level passes once collapsing the defense. While I personally loved his growth as a playmaker, the Kansas freshman was more excited about the improvement that he’s made in other areas on the hardwood.
“Hitting the three ball. This past year, I shot about 45 percent from beyond the arc” Darryn proudly exclaimed about what progress in his game he’s most happy with. “A goal of mine as I got older in high school was to hit the three ball more consistently. With guys getting bigger and stronger, I won’t be able to dunk it as much, so I have to be able to use my skill and hit shots.”
With the remarkable talent Peterson has and the hunger he possesses to continually get better, it’s easy to comprehend why he is already in the conversation for the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Naturally, NIL opportunities have followed. Fanatics made him the youngest athlete of any sport signed to a trading card deal. While Adidas signed players such as Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, and Sebastian Telfair to sneaker contracts before they made the league, Peterson was the first active high school player that they signed to an NIL deal. The love that the three stripes has shown to the Peterson family is much appreciated, as well.
“It’s been great. They took a chance with me being the first,” said Peterson, who names the Adidas D.O.N’s as his favorite shoe to play in. “They could have chose a ton of other guys on the Adidas circuit, but they chose me and it’s been a blessing for me and my family.”
Kansas coach Bill Self also chose Peterson to be the face of the team this year, while continuing to rock the three stripes. Self has said that he will put the ball in the immensely talented freshman’s hands, which will certainly give him the opportunity to put himself in the mix for the top pick in the 2026 Draft. Despite his immense talents, the humble Peterson was quick to remind me that there are still a number of things he wants to improve upon in what is destined to be his lone season as a Jayhawk, telling Ballislife “I want to use my size more and keep improving as a facilitator.”
Immensely talented, humble, and hungry. Certainly sounds like the recipe of a truly special prospect if you ask me.
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