He exhibits high hip fluidity, which allows him to stay attached to ball-handlers during change-of-direction moves. Peterson can "open his hips" to run with a driver and quickly "flip" back to cut off baseline penetration. While he may not have the elite twitch of the quickest sub-6-foot guards, his lateral range combined with his length makes him a highly effective containment defender against both guard positions.

His end-to-end burst is impressive for a guard of his size, especially when pushing the ball in transition. He can reach top speed quickly with the ball in his hands, creating 5-on-4 advantages by beating opposing bigs down the floor. This linear speed is a primary reason he is so dangerous in the open court, as it forces the defense to backpedal early, often conceding open pull-up looks or rim attempts.

This is the elite foundation of his scoring profile. Peterson possesses the rare ability to go from 100% speed to a dead stop in a single step without losing his shooting mechanics. This deceleration allows him to create massive separation on step-backs and side-steps. His core control ensures that even when he is bumped mid-air or during a drive, he can maintain his alignment and deliver a soft touch on the ball.

Peterson’s performance floor remains high throughout heavy minutes, as evidenced by his consistent shooting mechanics even in the closing stages of high-intensity games. He does not show signs of physical fatigue, such as a dropping elbow or a widening defensive stance, when the game enters the final minutes. This level of conditioning suggests he is ready for the high-minute workload expected of a primary NBA option.

Peterson is a high-volume visitor to the charity stripe, currently converting at an elite clip near 82%. This efficiency serves as the primary proxy for his "pure touch," suggesting that his overall shooting percentages will remain high as he increases his volume. His routine and release are identical on every repetition, showing a level of mechanical discipline rarely seen in freshman guards. This reliability ensures he can punish teams for their physicality and provides a high scoring floor even on nights when his perimeter jumper isn't falling.

This is the most polished aspect of his game and his primary weapon for playoff-style basketball. Peterson excels at getting to his spots in the "elbow" areas and rising for high-release jumpers that are nearly impossible for collegiate defenders to contest. He uses a variety of step-backs and side-steps to create separation, often forcing defenses to over-commit to his drive before he pulls up with perfect balance. His ability to hit these contested looks under pressure makes him a premier late-game option.

When playing off the ball, Peterson maintains a high degree of "spacing gravity" by being shot-ready before the pass arrives. He keeps his feet set and hands up, allowing for a quick transition from catch to release. While he is currently more dangerous as a self-creator, his efficiency in catch-and-shoot scenarios keeps the defense stretched, preventing help-side defenders from sagging off to clog the paint. Improving his consistency in these "set" looks will be key to his scalability as a secondary option in certain NBA lineups.

His ability to hit triples while on the move is what cements him as a top-tier prospect. Peterson is highly comfortable executing side-step and step-back threes, often using a quick hesitation move to freeze the defender before launching. This skill forces the defense to "show" or "hedge" on every screen, creating 4-on-3 opportunities for his teammates and preventing the opposition from playing a conservative drop coverage against him.

Peterson has already demonstrated the arc and power necessary to hit shots from the NBA three-point line with regularity. His one-motion mechanics are fluid, and he does not require a "push" or extra effort to generate power from 25 feet out. This deep range makes him a threat the moment he crosses half-court, effectively extending the defense and opening up driving lanes for himself and his teammates.

With a high "Rim Pressure" rating, Peterson is capable of dunking through a chest in a crowded lane. His Functional Strength allows him to absorb contact and still finish with authority, which directly correlates to a high Free Throw Rate (FTr). He draws 4.1 fouls per 40 minutes, showing a willingness to initiate contact. He doesn't shy away from the "bumps" of elite rim protectors, often using his shoulders to displace defenders and create a clear path to the rim.

Peterson's touch around the rim is exceptional, utilizing floaters, wrong-foot layups, and creative use of the glass to finish over larger rim protectors. He shows great body control in the air, able to adjust his angle mid-flight to avoid blocks. This finesse is particularly effective in crowded Big 12 paints, where he uses "English" off the backboard to convert shots that would be blocked by a less skilled finisher. Converts 70% at the rim (97th percentile). His touch with floaters and wrong-foot layups makes him a "Tier 1" finisher.

Ambidexterity is a hallmark of his game, making him a nightmare for scouts trying to "force him left." He finishes left-handed drives at a 64% rate. He drives and finishes with high efficiency using his non-dominant hand and can deliver one-handed "whip" passes while moving away from his preferred side. This balanced skillset prevents the defense from shading him in one direction and ensures he can remain a playmaker regardless of where he is positioned on the floor.

His ball security is elite; Peterson maintains a tight, "on a string" handle even when faced with hounding point-of-attack defenders. He uses a combination of change-of-pace and change-of-direction moves to navigate traps without turning his back to the basket. This poise allows him to keep his eyes up, scanning the floor for open teammates even while being physically pressured by multiple defenders (1.6 TOV/game).

While his assists are lower at KU (1.9 APG), his ability to throw skip passes and "pocket passes" while keeping the dribble alive is elite. Peterson’s efficacy in this area is anchored by his ability to maintain offensive pressure without resetting his stance. He is beginning to master the one-handed "whip" pass, allowing him to fire precise lasers directly out of a live dribble with either hand. This mechanic is vital because it eliminates the "telegraphing" that occurs when a player picks up the ball to pass, a common tell that NBA defenses exploit. By keeping his dribble alive until the split-second of release, he keeps multiple defenders engaged, effectively freezing the help-side rotation while he identifies the optimal passing lane.

Peterson displays a veteran-like mastery of tempo and spatial manipulation in the pick-and-roll. His signature is the "prison dribble," where he uses his 6'6" frame to seal the trailing defender on his back or hip after clearing the screen. This patience forces the opposing big into a defensive "no man's land"—they must commit to his elite mid-range pull-up, which then opens a 2-on-1 opportunity. He excels at reading the low-man helper; if the help stays attached to the roller, he attacks the rim with finesse, but if they "tag" the roller, he has the size to see over the defense and find the open shooter in the opposite corner.

His vision is characterized by advanced "court mapping," where he identifies passing opportunities two steps ahead of the current play. Peterson often executes "second-read" passes, delivering the ball to where a teammate will be once the defensive rotation is complete. While he possesses the high-level IQ to manipulate defenses, he still occasionally fights the instinct to take a contested "star" shot over a simpler pass. This tendency is common for high-volume scorers at this stage, but his ability to see the floor in three dimensions suggests his ceiling as a primary creator is exceptionally high as he continues to balance his scoring gravity with unselfishness.

The physical power behind Peterson’s passing is a legitimate weapon. He fires "bullet passes" that cross the court with enough velocity to beat the recovery of even the most athletic defenders. This "heat" on his passes is crucial for maximizing the 0.5-second rule—giving his shooters the largest possible window to get their shot off before a closeout arrives. Furthermore, his accuracy is clinical; he consistently hits teammates in their shooting pocket, ensuring they don't have to adjust their feet or catch the ball out of rhythm, which significantly raises the team's overall effective field goal percentage.

While often the primary ball-handler, Peterson shows a high degree of off-ball gravity when he screens for others or cuts into "ghost" spaces. He understands how to use the defense's preoccupation with his scoring ability to create easy looks for teammates. When he does cut, it is usually with a "stampede" decisiveness that catches defenders ball-watching, though his frequency in this area could increase to further diversify his offensive impact.

Peterson is a master of decision-making at high speeds, often identifying the best scoring option within the first four seconds of a clock. He can pull up for a transition three, drive the length of the floor for a finish, or find the rim-runner for a lob. His ability to keep his head up while sprinting ensures that the Jayhawks' transition game remains efficient and unpredictable.

For a guard, Peterson is surprisingly effective at maneuvering around box-outs to generate second-chance points. He uses his length and "Worm"-like ability to slide into small gaps near the rim, snatching "long" rebounds that bounce toward the perimeter. While not a primary focus of his role, this trait adds a layer of opportunistic scoring to his profile, particularly during high-stakes games where every possession counts.

Peterson utilizes his 205-pound frame and low center of gravity to act as a formidable "wall" at the start of possessions. He is adept at sitting in a wide stance, using his functional strength to prevent smaller, quicker guards from "bullying" their way into the paint. His hand activity at the point of attack is disciplined; he uses his 6'10" wingspan to shadow the ball without over-committing, effectively shrinking the floor for the ball-handler and forcing early passes or contested pull-ups.

On an island, Peterson is one of the most difficult perimeter players to shake in the 2026 class. He excels at using his length to "cushion" the drive while still maintaining a hand in the shooter's jersey. His discipline on pump-fakes is a standout trait—he rarely leaves his feet prematurely, instead relying on his standing reach to contest shots. This "sprinting-to-stall" recovery ability ensures that even if he is momentarily beaten by a quick first step, he can recover and offer a meaningful contest from the rear or side.

While primarily a perimeter defender, Peterson’s core strength allows him to hold his own when switched onto bigger wings or "tweener" forwards in the post. Unusually strong for a guard. He can hold his ground against 6'8" forwards, allowing Kansas to switch 1-through-4. He uses his chest to absorb the initial contact and prevents opponents from backing him into the restricted area. His high standing reach acts as a secondary deterrent, often forcing post players into high-arcing hooks or fadeaways rather than easy lay-ins.

Peterson exhibits the "skinny" footwork necessary to fight over the top of ball screens without getting completely detached from the play. He is vocal in his communication with his bigs, calling out screens early and choosing the correct path—fighting "over" against shooters or "under" against non-threats—with high-level recognition. His ability to stay attached to the ball-handler’s hip through the screen prevents the offense from generating the initial 2-on-1 advantage they seek.

As a weak-side helper, Peterson provides "verticality" that is rare for a guard. He possesses instinctive timing on chase-down blocks and weak-side rotations, often meeting opponents at the apex of their jump. He doesn't hunt blocks at the expense of his man, but when he does rotate, his 6'10" wingspan allows him to "alter" the trajectory of shots even when he doesn't record a formal block, forcing rim attackers to adjust their aim mid-air.

Peterson is an elite finisher of defensive possessions, consistently making contact with his man before pursuing the ball. He uses his length to snag rebounds that fall outside his immediate radius, effectively acting as a third rebounder for the Jayhawks. His ability to quickly transition from securing the board to pushing the break is a primary engine for his transition offense, as he can ignite the fast break before the defense can set its retreat.

His defensive IQ is most evident in his anticipation of passing windows. Peterson uses his length to "bait" skip passes, only to close the gap and deflect the ball with his reach. His high steal rate is not the result of reckless gambling but rather a product of "seeing the future"—recognizing the offensive set and jumping the lane at the exact moment the passer commits. This disruption leads to high-value transition points and frustrates the rhythm of opposing playmakers.

He occasionally over-closes on shooters, relying too much on his length to recover if beaten. He uses his wingspan to high-point his contests, often forcing shooters to adjust their arc or hesitate, which disrupts the timing of the offensive set.

Peterson is a high-level communicator who understands the nuances of "tagging" the roller and rotating as the "low man." While he is still refining the speed of his second and third rotations—typical for a freshman in a complex defensive system—his recognition of offensive patterns is advanced. He rarely misses a "crack-back" box-out or a baseline rotation, ensuring that the Jayhawks' defensive shell remains intact even when under duress.

In the chaos of a change of possession, Peterson is often the first player to sprint back and communicate assignments. He understands how to "stop the ball" early in the clock, preventing easy layups and forcing the offense into a half-court set. His hustle is a skill; he is frequently seen chasing down opponents for transition blocks or diving to prevent an easy fast-break bucket, setting a tone for the team’s defensive energy.

Peterson operates with a "0.5-second" mindset, making decisions at a speed that rivals professional veterans. Whether he is recognizing a defensive stunt or identifying a weak-side shooter, the ball rarely "sticks" in his hands unless he is intentionally probing for a shot. This rapid processing allows the Kansas offense to maintain a high tempo even in the half-court, as he consistently chooses the correct action—Shoot, Pass, or Drive—well before the defense has time to establish its rotations.

His real-time communication is a vital component of the Jayhawks' defensive shell. Peterson is frequently seen directing teammates, calling out "Screen Left" or identifying "Switch" opportunities before the offensive action even begins. This high level of awareness ensures he is rarely caught out of position and allows him to act as a secondary quarterback for the defense, using his basketball IQ to extinguish offensive threats before they can develop into high-percentage looks.

While Peterson’s talent level is undeniable, he is still refining the balance between a "good shot for him" and a "good shot for the team." Because he is such a prolific maker of difficult, contested jumpers, he can occasionally settle for a mid-range fadeaway early in the shot clock rather than driving to create a higher-value rim attempt or a kick-out three. This remains the primary area of focus for his development at Kansas, as learning to leverage his scoring gravity to create easier looks for the collective will be the final step in his offensive evolution.

Peterson demonstrates a high level of engagement that is rare for a primary scoring option. He doesn't take plays off, frequently diving for loose balls or sprinting the full length of the court for chase-down blocks. This consistent effort sets a competitive tone for the team; when the projected top pick is willing to do the "dirty work" of the game, it effectively removes any excuse for the rest of the roster to lack intensity.

He possesses a "hard-nosed" disposition that allows him to thrive in the physical environment of the Big 12. Peterson does not shy away from contact; instead, he embraces the "grind," often initiating contact on drives to unbalance his defender or using his chest to stone drivers on the perimeter. This mental and physical toughness ensures he is never intimidated by aggressive defensive schemes and remains a productive force regardless of the intensity of the game.

Peterson’s cortisol control in high-leverage moments is elite. He consistently demands the ball in the final three minutes of a game, exhibiting the same calm, balanced shooting mechanics he has in the first quarter. Whether it is a late-game dagger against a conference rival or a high-pressure free throw, he has shown an "ice in his veins" temperament that suggests he is perfectly suited to be the primary option for an NBA franchise in winning time.

Even as a freshman, Peterson has established himself as a rallying force on the floor. His body language remains poised and constructive regardless of the score or officiating, which provides a stabilizing influence for his teammates. He is quick to encourage others after a mistake and holds himself accountable, displaying a mature leadership style that suggests he will be a culture-setter in a professional locker room.

His game is highly adaptable, making him a seamless fit for a variety of NBA roster constructions. Peterson is equally effective as a primary initiator or as a "3-and-D+" wing who can attack closeouts and finish at the rim. This versatility ensures that he can coexist with other star players and contribute to winning basketball even on nights when he isn't the primary focal point of the offense.

Reports from within the Kansas program highlight Peterson’s exceptional "correction speed." He is a dedicated student of the game who takes coaching feedback and applies it immediately on the next rep. His relationship with a demanding coach like Bill Self demonstrates his desire to be pushed to an elite standard, suggesting that his developmental ceiling is significantly higher than prospects who resist critical feedback.

At just 19 years old, Peterson possesses a level of polish and maturity that is typically found in seniors. When his current production is projected out over the next five years of physical and mental growth, he represents a "generational" development runway. His combination of an established, high-level floor and a stratospheric ceiling makes him one of the most valuable assets in the 2026 draft cycle.