5-star SG Darryn Peterson talking to Kentucky 'a lot,' sees fit

John Calipari doesn’t offer scholarships to players until the summer leading up to their junior seasons, the start of the direct contact period. 2025 five-star guard Darryn Peterson became the first exception last August, earning an offer from Kentucky nearly a full year earlier than others in his class.

It wasn’t an insignificant gesture, a sign that the Wildcats are serious about landing the consensus top-10 prospect in the sophomore class.

That was part of the story — they want him whenever he wants to come and are making that clear early. But he’s also considering a reclassification to the class of 2024, a relatively weak group that could use some real talent up top. Peterson, the No. 8 player in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking, fits that mold.

“I feel like I do it all,” Peterson told On3’s Jamie Shaw at the USA Basketball Junior National Team minicamp. “I’ll guard, rebound, score the ball, facilitate, anything my coach needs me to do to get the win; I can do it.”

Standing 6-foot-5, the five-star guard averaged nearly 31 points and nine rebounds per contest this past season for Cuyahoga Falls (OH) Valley Christian. He’s got a gifted frame and a knack for scoring the rock. A clear fit at Kentucky.

And Peterson believes so too.

“My dad talks with them a good bit, so a relationship is there for sure,” the five-star prospect told On3. “They let their guards go to work and give them freedom. Wherever I go, I want to fit in. I feel like I fit in with how they play.”

He’s taken unofficials thus far to Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State and Xavier, with Indiana and Kentucky showing the most love outside of schools he’s seen in person. The Wildcats are almost certain to get a visit, likely sooner rather than later.

What is he looking for in a school?

“I’m going to look at wherever I fit in best,” Peterson said. “I want to go somewhere I can play my game and for a coach that is going to hold me accountable. Whichever school puts me in the best place to win.”

Can do a whole lot of winning in Lexington, and he already says he sees a fit. Something to keep an eye on.

Another thing to watch? His relationship with fellow five-star sophomores Koa (Peat) and Meleek (Thomas), two players he is “talking with a little about playing together at the next level.” Both players have Kentucky interest and have the talent to make a jump to 2024, if necessary. Or all three could stay in 2025 — the Wildcats would take the trio whenever they’re ready.

But Peterson is at the top of the wish list for Calipari and the Kentucky coaching staff. And the interest is mutual.

Read the rest of Jamie Shaw’s article here, which features Peterson’s thoughts on the likes of Indiana, Michigan State, Xavier, Ohio State, Kansas and Michigan.