Potential No. 1 pick Darryn Peterson reveals cause of cramping

Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson revealed in an interview that he believes he has identified the reason why he experienced cramping issues last season.

Peterson was limited to 24 games with the Jayhawks due to various health reasons, including cramping and hamstring and ankle injuries. He also asked out of several other games due to cramps, which began during a weeklong camp in September.

The 6-foot-6 guard told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN that bloodwork and other tests showed the cramping was caused by high doses of creatine supplements. The issue escalated to a hospitalization following the camp organized by coach Bill Self.

"I made it to the training room and just started begging them to call 911," Peterson told ESPN. "They were trying to get a vein to get me the IV, get me back hydrated. But I was cramping so hard they couldn't get a vein. I thought I was going to die on the training table that day."

Peterson managed the issue throughout the season and eventually had it mostly under control by the conclusion of the regular season. He and the Jayhawks advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, losing to St. John's on March 22.

Darryn Peterson finally has an answer to the mysterious cramping issues which hindered his freshman season— and a way forward. Can he still be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft? https://t.co/HUJ9xu2AYg— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) May 8, 2026

Despite missing time, Peterson was a second-team All-Big 12 selection, averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals while shooting 38.2% from 3-point range. He led the team in scoring, ranking fourth among all players in the conference.

The 19-year-old finished with the highest-scoring average in program history by a freshman, while also ranking third in free-throw percentage (82.6), fourth in free throws (109) and sixth in 3-pointers (63). He was also named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team.

Peterson is in the conversation to be the No. 1 pick in the draft because of his innate scoring ability, creation and explosiveness with the ball in his hands. He is also highly regarded as a player who can generate paint touches and get to the free-throw line.

The Ohio native, who is training in Los Angeles, California, hasn't had any issues since he stopped taking creatine supplements. He is expected to be among the 73 prospects who will compete in the draft combine next week in Chicago, Illinois.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Darryn Peterson update: Kansas freshman reveals cause of cramping