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Q: I know you grew up in Kansas, but I'm curious. How did the hoop dreams come to fruition for you? Dean Wade: Man, it's a different kind of story, for sure. I grew up in Kansas, you know, small, small town. 1200 people in my town. My graduating class had 18. So, I didn't really, like nobody really played high major basketball out of my high school before. So, I didn't really know how far basketball was going to take me. I was just like, ‘Man, I'm just going to keep playing until the wheels fall off.‘ and luckily, the wheels are still on. I never really thought about being a professional basketball player was in my cards really until I got to college. Like, I really didn't know. That was never really like, for me, an attainable dream in my mind because I knew the statistics. I knew the percentages of people that come from anywhere and make the NBA is is very low so it was a dream of mine.
Michael Beasley: "When I first went to Manhattan, Kansas, all you smell was cow shit. And it was that small. Yeah, it was so bad."
Michael Scotto: The New Orleans Pelicans have waived two-way center Hunter Dickinson, league sources told @hoopshype. The former Michigan and Kansas star averaged 17.6 points on 59% shooting from the field and 39% from 3-point range with 10.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists in the G League last season.
Legion Hoops: Darryn Peterson on his rookie goals: “Play all 82 games, coming off the year I had at Kansas... Make the playoffs. Try and get a ring.” (via @shre98)
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The verdict: After entering the fall projected at No. 1, Darryn Peterson struggled to stay healthy and played through a strange season after a battle with cramping. However, NBA teams haven't appeared concerned with his long-term health. His best moments, while further between than he and Kansas hoped, underscored why NBA teams still view him as a future star who executives liken stylistically to Devin Booker. Peterson can be one of the best guards in the league, and after gaining a better understanding of the context, he reclaims the top spot on my board.
The Jazz have had Dybantsa and Boozer for private workouts, according to league sources. Peterson canceled his workout this week amid reports that he believes he will be the No. 1 pick, and he hopes the Wizards select him. The Jazz, according to league sources, weren’t surprised by Peterson’s canceled workout. They anticipated it, on some levels. They also won’t hesitate to select Peterson if they determine the former Kansas star guard is the best player on the board when they pick.
Shams Charania: Developments ahead of the June 23-24 NBA draft: BYU's AJ Dybantsa has conducted formal visits with both the Washington Wizards (No. 1) and Utah Jazz (No. 2) while Kansas' Darryn Peterson only visited the Wizards and does not plan to grant anyone else a meeting, sources tell me and @JeremyWoo . Both have believed in going No. 1 -- and now teams in the lottery are taking note of Peterson's decision to only give access to Washington.
Sources say Peterson's medicals have not raised major concerns with teams, clearing the way for him to hear his name called as a top-two pick. He began the season as ESPN's No. 1 prospect and is the most gifted offensive player in the class. While the season didn't go according to plan at Kansas, where he dealt with serious cramping issues, he has always been viewed by teams as a strong candidate for the pick.
Sean Cunningham: Kings announce pre-draft workout for Monday in Sacramento with: #1 Quadir Copeland (North Carolina State), G/F; #2 Melvin Council (Kansas), G; #3 Tre White (Kansas), G; #4 Nick Martinelli (Northwestern), F; #5 Keshawn Murphy (Auburn), F; #6 Caden Powell (Baylor)
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Tyran Stokes, the No. 1 senior in the country and the consensus favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA draft, will play for Kansas next season, he announced Tuesday. Stokes chose the Jayhawks over Kentucky, announcing his decision on ESPN's "NBA Tip-Off" before the start of Tuesday's playoff games. He is ranked No. 1 on ESPN's 2026 SC Next 100.
Kansas sophomore Flory Bidunga intends to declare for the NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility, sources told ESPN on Thursday. Bidunga also intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal, sources said, as he's keeping open the option to return to college.
Kole Emplit: Darryn Peterson with a message for the critics: "I love Kansas, I love everything about being here and my team." Melvin Council slowly chants 'one more year' DP: "Maybe one more year. I might run it back." #kubball
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Being a Kansas native and a former Jayhawk, who are some of your favorite players to ever come through the Lawrence program? Gradey Dick: First, I’ve gotta say Wayne Simien Jr. When I was little, he was the first Kansas player I ever really talked to. Then, of course, Conner Frankamp. He was only at KU for a bit, but he’s another Wichita guy, so I still work out with him when I’m back home. And probably after that, Andrew Wiggins.