Kansas' Peterson Thought Creatine Cramps Would Kill Him
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson, projected as a top-five pick in the upcoming NBA draft, suffered severe body-wide cramping in September that required hospitalization. The incident occurred during a preseason practice, where he begged trainers to call 911 as cramps prevented them from inserting an IV. Peterson told ESPN he thought he would die on the training table.
Peterson linked the cramping to high doses of creatine, a muscle-building supplement. He had never used it before college, but preseason tests revealed his baseline creatine levels were already elevated, making supplementation unsafe. The episodes forced him to miss 11 games and limited his minutes in others during the season.
Peterson averaged 20.2 points per game despite the issues. Kansas coach Bill Self adjusted his role to off-ball play to reduce exertion. He rehabbed daily with massages, carb loading, electrolytes, dietary changes and meal prepping.
Peterson stopped taking creatine and reported no further problems, logging at least 30 minutes in eight of Kansas' final nine games. Criticism arose over his limited play, but he returned to form as a top draft prospect.
