KU entertained No. 1 shooting guard in class of 2025: inside look at his visit

Darryn Peterson, the No. 1-ranked shooting guard in the basketball recruiting class of 2025, was impressed by Kansas Jayhawks coach Bill Self’s heavy involvement in his recent visit to campus.

According to Darryl Peterson, Darryn’s father, Self drove Darryn around Lawrence, showcasing the city while talking to him about life at KU.

Darryl told The Star that was one of Darryn’s favorite moments of the visit.

“He (Darryn) felt that was very genuine,” Darryl said. “A lot of coaches don’t do that. They are more hands off.”

Darryl said his son found the experience in Kansas to be authentic and genuine. The family spent a lot of time with the Jayhawks’ coaching staff, including plenty of time with Self.

“Self told him that he really believes in Darryn,” Darryl said. “He thinks he can be ‘the guy’ for the Jayhawks. Darryn’s goal is to be the No. 1 overall pick and win a national championship. They think he can be the lead guard — a guy with the ball in his hands.

“Their belief in him, the history and Self’s (candidness) made it a great visit.”

While in town, Darryn also met with KU freshmen Flory Bidunga and Rakeese Passmore, recent Alabama transfer Rylan Griffen and Jayhawks star big man Hunter Dickinson.

Shortly after meeting with Griffin, Darryn received a text.

“’Hey, I’m new here, too, but I really like it here. Let me know if you need anything,’” Darryl recalled Griffin’s text saying. “It was very authentic and genuine.”

The Jayhawks’ coaching staff also took the Petersons to Lawrence restaurants known for various foods, such as Jeffersons for wings.

At night’s end, KU let Darryn put up some shots at Allen Fieldhouse, which Darryl noted Darryn greatly appreciated.

“It made him feel at home,” Darryl said.

The Peterson family also explored Lawrence independently and came away very impressed. Darryl noted that the people were very welcoming and that Lawrence is “truly a basketball town.”

For Darryn, playing in a city where basketball reigns supreme is important. He hopes to be a one-and-done prospect at a school where he can develop his game. He isn’t necessarily interested in whether the school is in a city or smaller college town.

The 6-foot-5 shooting guard out of Huntington Prep in West Virginia expects to make a decision before the start of his senior year. Darryl told the Star that his son will release a list of eight finalist schools by the end of July. He has upcoming visits with Kentucky, Ohio State, and USC.

Meantime, the class of 2025 hoops prospect does not plan to reclassify.

“We want him to take it slow, continue to develop and enjoy his senior year,” Darryl said. “We always tell him its about the journey — not just destination.”