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Jazz Rookie Darryn Peterson Reviews Summer League Debut Film with Coach Will Hardy
The 19-year-old guard arrived at the Utah practice facility on a day off for a session focused on defense. Peterson discussed the team's 'Raven' technique and expressed enthusiasm for joining the young core.
Jul 9, 8:51 AM·2m read1 source
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Darryn Peterson, the Utah Jazz's No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, arrived at the team's practice facility Sunday morning for a film session with coach Will Hardy despite the summer league squad receiving the day off. ESPN reported that the 19-year-old native of Canton, Ohio, who played college basketball at Kansas, reviewed clips from his summer league debut with Hardy, with particular attention on the defensive end.
Hardy introduced Peterson to the Jazz term 'Raven,' a defensive shifting technique that emphasizes wingspan with arms extended wide. The discussion turned to Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed, a reference Hardy made in passing. Peterson, who was 5 years old when Reed played his final down for the Baltimore Ravens in 2012, responded after viewing highlights.
'He was nice. I'm not going to say too much. I'm sorry, Ed,' Peterson said. ESPN reported that Jazz CEO Danny Ainge, president of basketball operations Austin Ainge, general manager Justin Zanik, and vice president of player development Avery Bradley traveled to Peterson's hometown days before the draft.
Peterson opted not to visit Salt Lake City during the predraft process. The Washington Wizards selected BYU forward AJ Dybantsa instead of Peterson. The two players and their teams are scheduled to meet in a Las Vegas Summer League game Thursday at 9 p.m.
Peterson said his excitement centers on the Jazz's young core. 'What excites me the most is being able to be a part of the young core,' he said. 'It's just a great basketball organization. I think everyone would agree with me, and we've kind of talked about it: It's time to win.
Keyonte George, the 22-year-old guard, has attended every Utah Jazz summer league practice and sat courtside with Jaren Jackson Jr. and other veterans during the team's three Salt Lake City Summer League games. The NBA office did not allow George to serve as a volunteer assistant coach on the bench for the Las Vegas opener.
