Iraqi striker Ali al-Hamadi’s tough character was forged on the streets of edgy Liverpool neighbourhoodToxteth. Photo: AFP
PARIS:
From being shepherded out of Iraq as a baby to growing up on the mean streets of Toxteth in Liverpool, Iraqi striker Ali al-Hamadi’s journey to the World Cup has been challenging.
The 24-year-old will draw on all the qualities he has accrued from his tough upbringing when he tries to extend his country’s stay at the World Cup when they play Senegal in their final Group I game on Friday.
The first Iraqi player to appear in the Premier League — for Ipswich in August 2024 — he came close to scoring against France in the 3-0 defeat earlier in the tournament.
The agony on his face in that game, shrugging off pain in his leg, was nothing to what has come before.
“I’ve been through loads of adversity,” he told the Guardian in 2023.
His father Ibrahim’s courage in opposing then dictator Saddam Hussein led to him being imprisoned and tortured. Al-Hamadi, aged just one, was taken by his mother Asseel to the safety of Jordan during the second Gulf War in 2003.
“(My father) was an activist and part of a peaceful protest against the dictatorship within the nation,” al-Hamadi told the website of his then club Swansea in 2019.
“One day, he and other members of the group were raided and taken to prison.
“From there, they wrote to the Iraqi embassy in the UK explaining the situation and were subsequently released and ended up coming here.”
Once his father had settled in England, and despite being unable to pursue his chosen profession of law, the rest of the family joined him.
Although they were free from the violence that gripped Iraq following the fall of Saddam in 2003, life was hardly easy in Toxteth.
The neighbourhood of Liverpool is renowned as the birthplace of John Conteh, the world light heavyweight boxing champion in the 1970s, but also riots in 1981.
“Some days we did not really have anything to eat, but my dad would bring as much as he could for us,” he recalled.
“It was always tough but I have happy memories because, regardless, my parents always tried to provide as much as they could for me.”
‘Bit more hunger’
He did not have it easy outside his happy home life.
“I was racially abused in school and got into a lot of fights,” he told TheAsianGame.net in 2023.
“In football too, during some academy games, I got called certain hurtful names.
“You just smile, be polite and stand up for yourself. I have accepted that I can’t change other people’s perceptions.
“Instead, I’ve always focused on how I can help myself and control my path.”
He showed his strength of character when he chose football over going down potentially a more lucrative route — a life of crime.
“Around Toxteth, a lot of people get caught up in drugs and violence,” he told the Swansea website.
“There were times when I nearly dropped into it because of hanging around the wrong people, but I came through it.”
He resolved to focus on football.
“I used to go out on the streets all the time and put two jumpers down as goalposts. It was always an escape from what was happening in the local area,” he said.
His wise choice has paid off internationally. He scored a memorable goal in Iraq’s 2-1 World Cup play-off win over Bolivia.
A goal against Senegal would strengthen his case for Ipswich to give him another go in the Premier League next season — he is presently on loan at third-tier Luton.
Whatever happens he will take it in his stride.
“I feel like it’s a special part of me that gives me an edge, a bit more hunger and a lot more perspective on things because of the sacrifices my family had to make,” he said.
Kiley McDaniel covers MLB prospects, the MLB Draft and more, including trades and free agency.
Has worked for three MLB teams.
Co-author of Author of ‘Future Value’
Multiple Authors
Welcome to out first college baseball transfer portal rankings!
These rankings include all players who are currently in the portal or players who already committed to another school — I’m not including the future first rounders who never entered or any 2026-draft eligible players who didn’t commit to a school; George Washington C Robbie Lavey and Stony Brook LHP Micah Worley would be ranked if they had committed to a new school. I assume those players likely will sign pro contracts, and some of the 2026-eligible players who committed to schools might, too, but it’s hard to guess which ones.
Lastly, these players are ranked based on pro potential, not projected college contributions or the stats they’ve already put up. When you’re in the ACC or SEC, those things are all pretty similar, with age and physical projectability the big variables along with where you stand on the tools to skills spectrum. You can look at my previous draft rankings to know that 40+ FV tier is generally late-first round to early-second round, while 40 FV tier takes you through the fourth round or so and the 35+ FV tier down to about $200,000 bonuses, spread throughout the draft.
There’s some standout college performers who have fastballs sitting in the high-80s or bottom-of-the-barrel raw power with good feel for the game who aren’t on here, but will be good college players next year. Some players will improve over the next 12 months and jump above players on this list, but this is how I would grade these players if they were tossed into this year’s draft class.
The college baseball transfer portal is open from June 1-30.
Top portal classes
Texas only has three commits, but those players rank first, fourth and 18th overall, so it is bringing in immediate impact talents. LSU similarly is shooting for the stars, landing my fifth-, eighth-, 10th-, 27th- and 60th-ranked players, with only one commit not making this list. Mississippi State has also landed five players on this list, while Texas A&M has landed, with the Aggies adding some solid depth just off of this list. Arizona State has landed three players, two or whom are on this list, while North Carolina and Georgia Tech are also reloading effectively. South Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, TCU and Oklahoma round out the baker’s dozen of schools in total pro prospect value added in the portal.
40+ FV Tier
1. Ian Armstrong, C, 2027 draft-eligible Transferring from: St. Mary’s Transferring to: Texas
Armstrong hit 16 home runs in 2026 and he has the above average raw power to do it again next season in the SEC. He’s an above average framer who should be able to stick behind the plate long-term, and he has roughly average contact/on-base skills. With some expected progress next season, he should land in the top two rounds of the MLB draft.
Savoie was a standout freshman at Loyola Marymount who moved to Clemson in the portal at this time last year due in large part to a 20-home run season and plus raw power. His exit velos were even a notch better in 2026, going deep 16 times for Clemson, but the Tigers failed to make the NCAA tournament. Savoie has some chase concerns at the plate and he split time mostly between catcher and left field so his defensive eval behind the plate is incomplete.
3. Jackson Hotchkiss, LF, 2027 Transferring from: Washington Transferring to: Arizona State
Hotchkiss was a late helium name in the 2024 draft out of high school whose price wasn’t met, then his sophomore year with the Huskies was his breakout: 20 home runs with 65-grade raw power. His 26% strikeout rate is a concern, as his uphill path gives Hotchkiss real in-zone miss issues, but his pitch selection is good and his in-game power ability is the selling point. He’s a solid runner and defender in left field, so I don’t think he’ll move out of the top two rounds if he keeps producing like this, even with the strikeout rate and left field profile.
40 FV Tier
4. Linkin Garcia, SS, 2027 Transferring from: Texas Tech | Transferring to: Texas
5. Bino Watters, LF, 2027 Transferring from: Notre Dame | Transferring to: LSU
6. Jake Souders, RF, 2027 Transferring from: Samford | Transferring to: Mississippi State
7. Jamie Laskofski, SS, 2027 Transferring from: William & Mary | Transferring to: North Carolina
16. Trey Morris, LHP, 2028 Transferring from: Oregon State | Transferring to: Florida
17. Jay Abernathy, CF, 2027 Transferring from: Tennessee | Transferring to: Oklahoma
18. Sawyer Solitaria, RF, 2027 Transferring from: Kent State | Transferring to: Texas
19. Cayden Suchy, LHP, 2027 Transferring from: UConn | Transferring to: Florida State
Garcia had some interest out of high school (I ranked him 216th in the 2025 draft) and he performed well as a freshman, with his plus raw power and real contact skills could lead to a breakout next year, when he’s sophomore eligible. Souders has some of the best raw power in college baseball but has a little work to do tapping into it in games more often. Watters also has plus raw power with a more well-rounded skillset. I had never heard of Laskofski until I looked into portal names and he could find himself in the top two rounds like the Tar Heels’ last portal shortstop: Jake Schaffner in the upcoming 2026 draft. Hood was a sleeper freshman I stumbled upon later in the season, up to 97 mph and flashing a plus changeup; it’s not surprising LSU made him a priority.
60. Josiah Overbeek, LF, 2027 Transferring from: Army | Transferring to: Mississippi State
Lauaki entered the portal recently and has an extreme skillset: He may have 80-grade raw power with the feel to tap into it in games, but may also be a DH with almost off-the-charts in-zone miss. Voorhies was one of my projectable pitcher sleepers — he’s 6-foot-4 and another tick of velo while starting could put him in the early rounds — and UNC landed him before a potential breakout. My almost namesake McDaniel is a solid runner and defender with plus contact skills who just needs to get stronger to become an early-round option. Peeples was a prospect I liked out of high school (172nd in last year’s draft rankings) who didn’t play much as a freshman, and he could break out with more regular playing time. Espinoza is another sleeper on the mound with huge extension, good shapes and solid feel, with breakout potential if the velo keeps improving.
Bosnia Herzegovina are in a strong position to reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time after beating Qatar 3-1. Photo: AFP
SEATTLE:
Bosnia-Herzegovina are on the verge of reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time after beating 2022 hosts Qatar 3-1 in their final Group B match on Wednesday.
Bosnia move onto four points and are in a strong position to be one of the best eight third-placed teams to progress to the last 32.
Qatar meanwhile exit at the group stage, just as they did four years ago.
Goals from Bosnia’s youngest ever World Cup player, 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic, and an own goal by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada looked to have put the European side in the box seat.
However, Qatar made a game of it when 35-year-old Hassan al-Haydos, their most capped player, pulled one back late in the first-half.
Ermin Mahmic then put the game beyond the Qataris when he scored for the second successive match in the 80th minute.
Bosnia flew out of the blocks as soon as the whistle went, testing Abunada twice inside the first four minutes.
First Abunada denied Ermedin Demirovic’s fierce drive and then he tipped away Ivan Sunjic’s shot.
Bosnia’s dominance finally paid off but it was not to be 40-year-old talisman Edin Dzeko who broke the deadlock but the sublimely-talented teenage left wing.
Abunada was unable to do anything about Alajbegovic’sscreamer from outside the area, after he had beaten two players.
The youngster was mobbed by his team-mates and once they had trotted back to the halfway line he stood and milked the moment, putting a finger to his lips.
Dzeko, winning his 150th cap, came more and more into the game and not wishing to have his thunder stolen by the new kid on the block he played an integral role in their second five minutes later.
His shot took a wicked deflection off al-Brake and then Abunada on its way into the net.
Dzeko was well into his stride now and he broke clear a few minutes later, his shot beating Abunada but rebounding off the post.
Bosnia’s earlier sprightliness dipped in the heat and it was the doyen of Qatari football al-Haydos who repaid coach JulenLopetegui’s faith in slotting home in the 42nd minute.
The Bosnian defence failed to learn from that and in time added on they had the far post to thank for keeping their noses in front as Pedro Miguel’s shot came back off it.
Al-Haydos’s World Cup, and perhaps his distinguished international career, ended in tears as he trudged disconsolately off the pitch injured in the 55th minute.
Chances were few and far between until Esmir stole in from the right wing and came close to emulating Alajbegovic’s effort but Abunada turned it away for a corner.
Bosnian frustration gave way to ecstasy when Mahmic prodded the ball home — the scorer ripping his shirt off in celebration and the 21-year-old paid little notice to being booked for it.
As Brad Pitt looks ahead to what could be the nest major chapter of his life, one person has quietly become the center of it all: Ines De Ramon.
For years, the Oscar winner has been locked in a painful standoff with ex-wife Angelina Jolie and several of their children. But as twins Knox and Vivienne prepare to turn 18, effectively closing the final chapter of the former couple’s custody arrangements, attention is shifting toward the woman standing beside him through it all.
According to Heat magazine, Ines has become far more than Brad’s girlfriend. She has reportedly been his emotional anchor during one of the most difficult periods of his life, helping him navigate the ongoing estrangement from his children while encouraging him not to lose hope.
“Brad’s been leaning on Ines a lot during all of this, and she’s done a magnificent job of helping him to hang tough, keep the faith and focus in the meantime on the many positives that he still has in his life,” a source claimed.
Now, sources say Ines is considering a role few have dared to take on: peacemaker.
There is growing speculation that she would like to help rebuild communication between Brad and his children, particularly daughter Shiloh, who is widely believed to hold special place in his heart.
Insiders suggest Ines sees Shiloh as a potential starting point for healing fractured family ties.
The timing is significant. While reports continue to swirl that Brad is considering marriage and even starting a family with Ines, those close to the actor say one issue remains unresolved.
“When it comes to his children, it’s the one area of his life where he’s completely vulnerable,” an insider said.
For now, Ines remains reportedly careful not to overstep. But as Brad contemplates a future that could include wedding plans and a new family chapter, sources suggest she is determined to help him find peace with the family he already has.
Around three billion years ago, long before animals, forests, or even complex life existed, a large asteroid struck a young Earth. The collision happened at a time when the planet looked very different from today, with early continents still taking shape and geological processes operating in conditions that remain difficult to reconstruct. Much of the evidence from that distant era has been erased by time, buried beneath younger rocks or altered by billions of years of heat and pressure. Yet the immense force of the impact left subtle geological clues that survived despite Earth’s constantly shifting and recycling crust.That is why a rocky outcrop in Western Australia has continued to attract attention from geologists for decades. Known as the North Pole Dome, the site has long been suspected of preserving traces of an ancient cosmic impact. The challenge was never finding signs of disturbance. The real difficulty lay in determining exactly when the event took place. A new study has now provided what scientists believe is the clearest answer yet, placing the impact at roughly three billion years ago and establishing the structure as the oldest known impact crater on Earth.
An ancient crater hidden within some of Earth’s oldest rocks
The North Pole Dome sits within Western Australia’s Pilbara region, an area famous among geologists for preserving some of the oldest rocks on the planet. The study published in GeoScience World, titled, ‘How old is the North Pole Dome impact, Western Australia?’, states that these ancient formations offer rare windows into Earth’s early history, making the region an important destination for researchers trying to understand conditions during the Archean eon.For years, scientists have debated the origin and age of the North Pole Dome structure. Certain features suggested that a meteorite strike had once occurred there, but proving such an event becomes increasingly difficult as geological time stretches into billions of years. Ancient rocks rarely remain unchanged. They are folded, fractured, heated and chemically altered by countless processes that can blur evidence of what happened long ago.The result was a site that appeared promising but remained uncertain. Establishing a precise date became one of the most significant unresolved questions.
The mineral clues hidden inside the damaged rocks
The breakthrough came from minerals hidden within the rocks themselves.As reported by the study, researchers focused on zircon, a remarkably durable mineral often described as one of geology’s most reliable record keepers. Zircon crystals can survive extreme conditions and preserve information about events that occurred billions of years earlier.Within samples collected from the North Pole Dome, scientists identified unusual zircon crystals whose shapes differed from those normally formed during standard geological processes. Some displayed branching and skeletal patterns that pointed towards a history of intense disruption.The team argues that these crystals were affected by the extreme temperatures generated during an asteroid impact. Existing zircon appears to have been partially altered and, in some places, regrown as the surrounding rocks responded to the enormous energy released by the collision.
Two mineral records pointed to the same impact event
Dating ancient events often requires more than one piece of supporting evidence. Geological records can be complicated, and a single mineral system may sometimes reflect later changes rather than the original event.To test their findings, the researchers turned to another mineral known as apatite. Unlike zircon, apatite formed when hot fluids moved through rocks that had already been damaged by the impact. When analysed independently, the apatite produced essentially the same age as the zircon record.The agreement between two different mineral systems strengthened confidence that both were recording the same episode in the region’s history. Rather than reflecting separate geological processes occurring millions of years apart, the minerals appeared to point towards one major event.
The oldest known impact crater on Earth
Meteorite impacts have played a significant role throughout Earth’s past, but tracing that history becomes harder the further back researchers look. Many younger craters remain visible at the surface, their outlines still recognisable despite erosion. Ancient structures rarely enjoy that luxury. Over immense timescales, tectonic activity, chemical alteration and repeated cycles of burial and uplift can erase much of the original evidence.Because of this, confirmed impact craters from Earth’s earliest chapters are exceptionally rare. The newly dated North Pole Dome structure now occupies a unique position. Scientists regard it as the oldest known impact crater currently identified on the planet and the only recognised example from the Archean eon. That places the event during a period when Earth’s first stable continental fragments were emerging and the planet itself was still evolving in ways very different from the modern world.
While parents want their children to succeed in life. Be it academics, sports, or everyday values. As for children, they thrive with parental support and guidance. However, when this support turns into control, constant pressure surrounds the child. This is exactly what pushy parenting is. What is pushy parenting When parents feel they must make all the decisions for their children and control or monitor all their activities, they may be becoming overly pushy as parents, and hence the term “pushy parenting.” While no conscious parent wants to be pushy and the behavior usually stems from love and care, being a pushy parent can affect a child’s emotional well-being.
Fox News’ “Antisemitism Exposed” newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world.
IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER: – COWARDLY COMPAÑERA! Socialist candidate bolts radio show before shock upset – Smithsonian urged to withdraw from retreat with workshop run by anti-Semitic educator – DOJ investigating NYC coffee shop over hostile social post about pro-Israel politician
Congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier speaks during a Get Out the Vote rally at King’s Theater in New York City on June 18, 2026. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Mayor Zohran Mamdani campaigned alongside her and other candidates ahead of the Democratic primary and early voting.(Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
TOP STORY: Newly minted socialist candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier threw a live-air tantrum and stormed out of a radio interview after being grilled over scandalous, anti-Dominican social media posts. Just hours after the radio walkout, the DSA-backed radical shockingly ousted five-term incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat. She will now likely cruise to Congress in November.
VIDEO:Ambassador George Deek says Israel’s Christian population has grown from 34,000 to more than 180,000 since 1948 as he works to strengthen ties with Christian leaders worldwide. WATCH HERE:
RETREAT FROM RETREAT: The watchdog group North American Values Institute is urging the Smithsonian’s NMAAHC to withdraw from an upcoming academic retreat. The organization raises serious concerns over workshop co-facilitator Ismael Jimenez, citing his controversial curriculum, ties to activist groups, and anti-Israel rhetoric, including calling Israel a “terrorist state.” NAVI warns the Smithsonian risks legitimizing antisemitism by participating.
BITTER BREW: The DOJ launched a civil rights investigation into Brooklyn’s Poetica Coffee after the shop blasted Rep. Dan Goldman online for supporting Israel. The cafe refunded his purchase, boasting they would have turned him away as a “genocide enabler”. Officials warn that denying service based on religion or national origin violates federal anti-discrimination law.
A Brooklyn, N.Y., coffee shop refunded a purchase made by Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., over the weekend over his support for Israel, saying the company doesn’t serve “genocide enablers.”(Getty Images; Google Maps)
TERROR THWARTED: A Florida man has been indicted for plotting a bloody mass shooting targeting Jewish employees at the AIPAC pro-Israel nonprofit. Armed with an AR-15 and a silencer, Forrest Pemberton allegedly stalked the empty office to “break the loop” before being tracked by cellphone data. He now faces life behind bars for the attempted hate crime.
BLOOD LIBEL!: Israel is firing back with fury after a bombshell UN report accused the Jewish state of the “deliberate targeting” of Palestinian children. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon blasted the explosive genocide claims as a political smear campaign, while critics slam the UN’s “sham inquiry” for completely erasing Hamas atrocities and ignoring traumatized Israeli children.
GUEST EDITORIAL: Loay Alshareef,can Arab Muslim peace advocate and senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, writes that the BDS movement against Israel is a hypocritical, performative campaign. True consistency would require activists to abandon vital modern innovations like life-saving medicine, tech processors, and agricultural tools. Rejecting these global advancements ultimately harms the Arab world and stifles peaceful cooperation.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “It is a political blood libel disguised as a UN document. This commission reaches its conclusions before examining the facts and repeatedly publishes reports that serve one purpose only: to vilify Israel.” – Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon, reacting to report accusing Jewish state of targeting Palestinian children.
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BEHIND CLOSED DOORS — Roger Stone divulges details on his 2019 jail stay, claims juror bias in Russia probe case. Continue reading …
CIVIL CONFLICT — ‘Yellowstone’ creator warns Dems’ rejection of Trump’s legitimacy is destroying ‘rule of law’. Continue reading …
DODGE AND WEAVE — Senate Democrat avoids answering where socialism has been ‘beneficial’ after far-left candidates win in NYC. Continue reading …
THE OBSESSION — Obama claims he occupies ‘a suite’ in Trump’s mind, questions the president’s focus on Americans. Continue reading …
OPINION
HUGH HEWITT — MORNING GLORY: Democrats cliff dive over the far-left edge of American politics. Continue reading …
PATRICK MCENROE — Universities are desperate to win now, but athletes and the nation both lose. Continue reading …
—
IN OTHER NEWS
CART SMARTS — Chefs reveal their favorite grocery stores and where shoppers can save the most money. Continue reading …
FORTUNE FALLS — Elon Musk loses trillionaire title after tech sell-off erases billions from fortune. Continue reading …
SIDELINED AGAIN — Caitlin Clark exits early with back issue as Fever fall to Mercury. Continue reading …
AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on sunscreen shakeups and coastal curiosity. Continue reading …
LISTEN
Tune in as Montana Republican Senator Tim Sheehy discusses the nation’s military preparedness, whether the U.S. is ready for a major war. Check it out …
There is something about a cold dessert on a hot day that just never gets old. From creamy ice creams and rich gelatos to shaved ice treats and frozen custards, every country has its own way of beating the heat. TasteAtlas‘ recently released ranking of the world’s best frozen desserts has brought together some of the most loved sweet treats from across the globe, highlighting both classic favourites and regional specialities.
Italy dominated the list with several varieties of gelato, while desserts from the UK, Turkey, the US, Japan, South Korea and many other countries also found a place. For India, there was good news too. Two beloved frozen desserts – Kulfi and Kulfi Falooda – secured spots in the top 50, proving once again that traditional Indian sweets can easily hold their own on the global stage.
Clotted Cream Ice Cream Ranks No. 1
Photo Credit: Instagram/kellyscornwall
Clotted cream ice cream is a traditional ice cream that’s associated with Cornwall, England, made with Cornish whole milk, eggs, and clotted cream. The use of Cornish clotted cream gives the ice cream a unique flavour and a velvety consistency.
Kulfi Ranks Among The World’s Best
Kulfi was ranked 7th on the list with a rating of 4.3. Often called India’s answer to ice cream, kulfi is known for its dense, creamy texture. Unlike regular ice cream, it is made by slowly reducing milk until it becomes rich and thick. The mixture is then flavoured with ingredients such as cardamom, saffron, pistachios, almonds, or rose water before being frozen.
Kulfi Falooda Also Makes The Cut
Another Indian favourite, Kulfi Falooda, was ranked 33rd with a rating of 4.0. Kulfi Falooda is more than just a frozen dessert. It combines slices of kulfi with falooda sev, sweet basil seeds, rose syrup and chilled milk, creating a layered dessert that is rich, refreshing and packed with different textures. The combination of creamy kulfi and fragrant rose flavours has made it a long-time favourite across India.
Top 5 Frozen Desserts, As Shared By TasteAltas:
The top five spots were claimed by the following:
Clotted Cream Ice Cream (United Kingdom) – 4.5
Gelato Al Pistacchio (Italy) – 4.4
Dondurma (Turkey) – 4.3
Frozen Custard (United States) – 4.3
Cremolada (Peru) – 4.3
With Kulfi and Kulfi Falooda making the cut to the world’s top frozen desserts, India has every reason to celebrate.
The Utah Jazz selected Kansas guard Darryn Peterson with the No. 2 pick in the draft, adding a dynamic scorer to their young core as the franchise intends to make a leap to competitiveness after a lengthy rebuild.
It’s the second consecutive year the Jazz used their lottery pick on a player who declined to visit Utah during the predraft process. The Jazz are encouraged by the progress of Ace Bailey, the teenager who was a second-team All-Rookie selection after they drafted him at No. 5 last year.
Peterson, 19, described himself as “super excited” to join the Jazz. He said he felt comfortable when he interviewed with Utah’s contingent at the NBA combine in Chicago and again when members of the Jazz’s front office traveled to his hometown of Canton, Ohio, to meet with him a second time days before the draft.
“It meant a lot to me for them to come to my hometown and want to meet with me,” Peterson said on a video call with Salt Lake City media. “It was a great conversation. We talked about the little stuff that [the Jazz] have in store, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
“Now I know where my new home is. I’m super excited to get there and super excited to get to work.”
Peterson averaged 20.2 points per game for the Jayhawks last season, the most ever by a freshman in Kansas history. However, his lone college season was tainted by mysterious medical issues that caused him to miss 11 games and make early exits in several others.
Peterson told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne in May that he dealt with severe cramping issues that doctors determined after the season were caused by using high doses of creatine. Utah team sources told ESPN that their research into Peterson’s medical issues did not result in any red flags.
“We’re so excited about Darryn,” Jazz president of basketball operations Austin Ainge said on Jazz+, the team’s streaming service. “He is such a great combination of talent and character and work ethic. He fits everything the Jazz are about, and we’re so excited to add him to our group. We think he can help us win now and in the future.”
The Jazz are optimistic that Peterson will fit well alongside Keyonte George in the Utah backcourt for years to come. George, 22, had a breakout campaign in his third year last season, averaging 23.6 points and 6.1 assists per game.
“I think me and Keyonte are going to be one of the best backcourts in the NBA, and then we’ve got those three bigs that are going to dominate,” Peterson said, referring to recent All-Star forwards Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. and restricted free agent center Walker Kessler.
After finishing in the lottery the past four years, the Jazz are optimistic that they will be competitive next season, following the trade for a two-time All-Star in Jackson in February and the selection of Peterson.
“We think we can really turn the corner and hit the gas this offseason,” Ainge said.
This matches the highest draft pick in franchise history. The Jazz also had the No. 2 pick in the 1980 draft, when they selected Louisville guard Darrell Griffith, who won Rookie of the Year and spent his entire 10-year NBA career in Utah.
