5-star Darryn Peterson says 'Kentucky is still Kentucky', expects to visit again

Darryn Peterson was a high-priority prospect for Kentucky under former head coach John Calipari. New head coach Mark Pope is keeping the relationship alive for the Wildcats.

“They re-offered me, so the interest is still there,” Peterson, who has already been re-offered by Pope and Kentucky, told On3 on Saturday. “Kentucky is still Kentucky to me, regardless of who is there. I never talked to Coach Pope until now but they’re recruiting me and I appreciate the love and them recruiting me and trying to get me to come there.”

Peterson is considered the No. 3 overall prospect from the 2025 recruiting class. Clocking in at 6-foot-5, 195 pounds, the five-star guard recently reopened his recruitment following a significant wave of coaching changes. Along with Kentucky, the likes of Kansas, North Carolina, Washington, Ohio State, Michigan, South Carolina, Southern California, and Arkansas are all in the mix as of right now.

So far, Peterson’s lone official visit was to Kentucky back in March. Of course, that was when Calipari was still in charge. While Peterson was surely able to get a good look at what UK has to offer earlier in the spring, a new regime means a new strategy. No date has been set, but he does have intentions of returning to Lexington for a fresh experience with Pope.

“Nothing set up yet,” he said when asked if he’s locked in a trip. “but I’m looking forward to going on a visit again.”

This weekend, Peterson is in Texas playing for Team Phenom on the adidas 3SSB circuit. Kentucky assistant coach Cody Fueger has been in the Lone Star State to check out the likes of Peterson and in-state four-star center Malachi Moreno, among others.

Through six games this spring, Peterson is averaging 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 44.9 percent from the floor. Peterson is hoping to play point guard at the next level, he told On3, and is filling in that role more often.