Darryn Peterson, the Kansas Jayhawks' star freshman, was once the consensus favorite to go No. 1 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft—a prospect that had fans and analysts buzzing about his potential. But as his one-and-done season unfolded, fellow prospects like AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer surged ahead, partly because Peterson's availability on the court was inconsistent.

The culprit? Debilitating cramps that sidelined him at critical moments, leaving both the player and his coaches puzzled. Now, thanks to reporting from ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, we finally know the surprising reason behind those mysterious muscle spasms.

In an exclusive interview, Peterson revealed that a post-season round of bloodwork and tests led doctors to a startling conclusion: his use of high doses of creatine—a supplement he'd never taken before college—was triggering the severe cramping. "I thought I was going to die on the training table," Peterson told ESPN, recalling a particularly scary episode that sent him to the hospital in an ambulance.

It's a stark reminder that even elite athletes can face unexpected challenges when experimenting with supplements. For Peterson, the experience has been a learning curve, and it explains why Kansas coach Bill Self took an extra cautious approach with his star freshman throughout the season.

Despite the setback, Peterson remains a top-tier prospect, currently projected at No. 4 overall in USA TODAY's latest NBA mock draft. The 2026 NBA Draft lottery is set for May 10 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC, and all eyes will be on where this talented guard lands. For now, his story serves as a powerful lesson: even the brightest stars need to listen to their bodies—and sometimes, the path to greatness includes a few unexpected detours.