Darryn Peterson dazzles in Kansas basketball's win over Green Bay

Shreyas Laddha, The Kansas City Star on Nov 3, 2025

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LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Darryn Peterson era of Kansas basketball started with the freshman phenom canning a deep 3-pointer from near the beak of the Jayhawk logo inside Allen Fieldhouse.

He didn’t react much after making the shot. Instead, Peterson backpedaled to get back on defense and directed his teammates to pay attention to a Green Bay ball handler.

After all, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft has a way of making the challenging look routine. Even his first made shot in a KU uniform was a 3-pointer from NBA range.

No. 19 Kansas defeated Green Bay 94-51 in its season opener Monday. The Jayhawks (1-0) have now won 53 consecutive home openers, a streak that began in 1973-74.

Big man Flory Bidunga had a career-high 23 points with six rebounds and three blocks. Peterson scored 21 points and grabbed four rebounds in just 22 minutes.

Peterson exited the game with about 15 minutes left in the second half and didn’t return. Notably, he’s dealt with a cramping issue over the last week. He missed KU’s exhibition game against Fort Hays State due to the cramping and a stomach bug.

KU’s starting lineup for the season opener was Peterson, Kohl Rosario, Melvin Council Jr., Tre White and Bidunga.

The Jayhawks dominated from the start. They led 48-27 at the half, and things didn’t get any closer.

Up next: KU travels to face North Carolina on the road Friday. The Jayhawks will be tested with a powerhouse clash on a national stage.

Until then, here are three takeaways from Monday’s season opener:

Peterson is special

No question, Peterson is exciting.

The freshman phenom was in total control. On offense, Green Bay couldn’t guard him.

Right before the end of the first half, Peterson hit a step-back mid-range jumper as the shot clock expired. He had 18 points in the first period.

On defense, Peterson was tenacious. He got in the face of multiple Green Bay defenders and made their lives miserable. He had one block and two steals in the first half alone.

Even though he only played 22 minutes, he showcased why the Jayhawks will be must-watch television this season.

Bidunga dominates down low

The Jayhawks have high hopes for Bidunga, who is returning for his sophomore season with the squad. But his offensive game remains a question mark.

Through one game, he looks much improved.

Bidunga showed an array of post moves vs. Green Bay. His jump hook, in particular, was something Green Bay defenders struggled to stop. Other times, a simple up-and-under got him points.

There’s also a clear level of trust between Peterson and Bidunga, as the pair showcased an impressive two-man game.

Overall, Bidunga had one of his best offensive games in a Jayhawks uniform Monday. It was a great showing for the big man after a rough exhibition showing against Fort Hays State and fouling out against Louisville.

KU’s defense suffocates Green Bay

Since July, Kansas coach Bill Self has talked about how this team will play aggressive defense and showcase its athleticism.

He was absolutely right.

KU’s defense is suffocating. The Jayhawks do an excellent job of getting in the face of shooters, swarming ball handlers and forcing bad shots and turnovers.

The effort on defense is something to behold, and it often turns into points on the other end. The Phoenix shot just 28.6% from the field, including 25.8% on 3-pointers. Kansas scored 17 points off turnovers.

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