Bill Self and his Kansas Jayhawks are bracing for a new NCAA season after posting a 21-13 overall record, being eliminated in the Big 12 tournament’s quarterfinal by the Arizona Wildcats and then by the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
The Jayhawks will have another No. 1 recruit on the roster for the 2025-26 season, Darryn Peterson, who became a sensation during his high school career. Peterson arrived at Lawrence on Wednesday to start summer school classes and team workouts, set to begin on Monday.
Meanwhile, Self wasn’t in the city, as he was designated to discuss first-day action with media members, alongside Houston coach Kelvin Sampson, at the Big 12 meetings at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Orlando.
Bill Self raves about high-profile recruit Darryn Peterson
While there, Bill Self discussed having the opportunity to coach such an exciting prospect in Peterson, with Self being candid when talking about 247 Sports’ No. 1 recruit in the country.
“I’m probably as excited about coaching him as I have anybody that I’ve ever recruited,” Self said. “I think he’s probably the most prepared, equipped 18-year-old I’ve had the chance to recruit,” the coach added.
Kansas has had other No. 1 recruits during Bill Self’s remarkable tenure. They hosted Andrew Wiggins and Josh Jackson and also an unpolished Joel Embiid, who went on to have a terrific NBA career, individually speaking.
Peterson has the tools to make a strong impression during his freshman season, and Coach Self is ready to help him achieve his goals.