In this Hearings newsletter:

1. KU Hoops recruiting update 🏀

2. Bring Frank Mason home? 👀

3. Self-Timberlake Question 📱

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EVERYTHING IN THIS NEWSLETTER IS BASED UPON WHAT I AM HEARING FROM PEOPLE I TRUST. PLEASE DO NOT MISTAKE THIS FOR FACT OR FOR ACTUAL JOURNALISM, WHICH HAS VERIFICATION STANDARDS THAT I HAVE NOT ADHERED TO. I DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT.

The Next KU 5-Star? 🏀

I’m Hearing the Jayhawks are pushing hard for the No. 3 player in the 2025 class, Darryn Peterson (via 247Sports). In fact, I really like where Kansas sits in the race to land the star six-foot-five shooting guard from Ohio.

I’ll like KU’s spot even better once it gets Peterson to visit campus, which hasn’t happened yet. Until then, I’d say this is one to watch closely.

While Peterson is currently in the 2025 class, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him reclassify and jump to 2024 to play on next year’s team. If I had to guess, I’d say it’s 60/40 he ends up in the ‘24.

Peterson is down to eight schools, including Kansas, Ohio State, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Indiana. Where things get interesting is Peterson’s ties to Adidas, as he was the company’s first-ever high school NIL athlete. You’d think that helps Kansas or Indiana.

I spoke to one anonymous NBA Scout who said he’d rank Peterson as the No. 6 overall player in 2024 if he does reclassify. The scout called him ‘absolutely brilliant’ at a Top 100 camp against other players in the 2025 class.

“He’s one of my personal favorite players to watch in the class,” the scout said. “He effortlessly glides to the rim and is a smooth player that can play fast or slow it dowm. He can take on the primary scoring role or get others involved and be more of that combo type guy.”

The scout also said Peterson takes on all challenges defensively and is ‘very competitive,’ which sounds like a Bill Self player to me. This is someone to keep an eye on. As always, I’ll keep you posted.

Watch his highlights below ⬇️

Frank Mason Wants to Return to KU 👀

I think Frank Mason’s tweets say it all. I’d love to see him back in Lawrence.

ScoopsText of The Day 📱 Self and Timberlake

I’m trying out a new section to the newsletter where I feature a VIP ScoopsText. This can be a take, a question, or a funny message. You can upgrade here to get the exclusive texts, breaking news updates, and chat 1:1 with me anytime you want.

A lot of people reached out asking about Self chewing out Timberlake during the first half of KU’s game against Cincinnati. And yeah, Timberlake didn’t play in the second half until the final minute or so. 🐶🏠

I’ve Heard this is really no big deal. Self was upset with Timberlake after a play. Timberlake chirped back. Self and the staff shut it down quickly. Timberlake listened. This isn’t all that unusual. Self wants to see fire from his players. He welcomes it.

BUT it probably wasn’t the ideal place and time for the exchange. 🤣

Lesson learned. No big deal. Just an extra show for fans sitting near KU’s bench.