Gilbert Arenas believes Darryn Peterson demonstrated the mindset of an NBA player long before reaching the professional level, recalling how the former Kansas guard approached discipline, preparation and recovery while sharing a room with Arenas’ son, Alijah, during USA Basketball activities.
Speaking on Gil’s Arena, Arenas described Peterson’s behavior when he was in 11th grade, highlighting how he encouraged Alijah to maintain high standards and prioritize basketball over social activities.
“He’s NBA mentally right now,” Arenas said. “He’s sitting there telling him, ‘Keep your side of the room clean.’ ‘Those people in the hallway, they ain’t real, you don’t need to talk to them.’”
Arenas also recalled Peterson choosing preparation over going out with teammates.
“Everyone was going out to eat and he said, ‘We’re gonna order takeout, watch tape and rest our bodies,’” Arenas explained.
According to Arenas, Peterson even organized short workouts in their room, including calf raises, while making sure Alijah was ready ahead of schedule. The former NBA star said Peterson emphasized arriving early for the team bus and maintaining a disciplined routine from the beginning.
Peterson’s approach to preparation has drawn attention as he begins his professional career with the Utah Jazz. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft recently delivered a team-high scoring performance in a preseason matchup against the Denver Nuggets, despite Utah losing 117-106 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
The rookie finished with 23 points in 30 minutes, shooting 10-of-18 from the field. He also recorded three rebounds and three assists, although he made just one of six attempts from three-point range and went 2-of-4 at the free-throw line.
Peterson scored 10 points in the second quarter, helping Utah take a 59-57 halftime lead. He also connected from beyond the arc late in the third quarter, cutting into Denver’s advantage after the Nuggets had taken control.
Peterson averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 24 games for Kansas during the 2025-26 college season. He shot 43.8% from the field, 38.2% from three-point range and 82.6% from the free-throw line.
