There is new insight into the full-body cramps that limited Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson‘s college debut, and what arguably slid the former projected No. 1 NBA Draft pick behind BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa in most mock drafts.
Speaking to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, Peterson detailed how “high doses of creatine” placed him in the hospital for several hours last September. The same article reports doctors initially thought Peterson was severely dehydrated.
“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 first revealed details of the incident following the Big 12 tournament, but hadn’t yet determined what caused his condition until Friday.
The lack of an explanation subjected Peterson to advanced scrutiny in the media, but his thought process is, at the very least, understandable on a human level.
Bill Self routinely defended Peterson publicly, but due to the nature of Peterson’s hospitalization, it’s not something the Kansas coach could have commented on. It’s also clear, based on previous Self comments amid Peterson’s unexplained, midgame departures, that limited information was circulating the locker room.
Well, now it’s out there.
Creatine, a natural compound produced in the body (i.e., your liver, kidneys, and pancreas), is largely considered a safe workout supplement. The Cleveland Clinic describes creatine as “a natural source of energy that helps your skeletal muscles flex,” but also recommends consulting a doctor first.
Muscle cramps and dehydration, though, are side effects of creatine use. Peterson said the initial incident made him especially vigilant of such cramping and discomfort, saying, “I can’t let that happen and be embarrassed and have that on TV and all that.”
Peterson missed 11 different games – and exited several more as the season carried on – but still finished averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in his lone season of college basketball. As of May, the Canton, Ohio, native is still considered a top-3 NBA Draft pick.
