Kansas Jayhawks freshman guard Darryn Peterson has been in the college basketball headlines this season, missing games under various circumstances. Yet Peterson’s pre-game ritual has drawn criticism online.
Before taking the court for Kansas head coach Bill Self’s Jayhawks, Peterson routinely receives an IV the night before a game. One individual present during the process defended Peterson’s ritual, while others have voiced concern.
Kansas Guard Darryn Peterson’s IV Ritual Gets Criticized
Phil Beckner, a high-performance consultant and NBA player development coach, stated in a post on X that “DP literally gets an IV the night before games while we watch opponent film together.” Beckner also used his post to call out detractors.
“Disappointing that so many other ‘adults’ and ‘media professionals’ keep making uninformed comments that weigh heavily on everyone else’s opinions,” Beckner wrote.
Dr. Brian Sutterer, a sports medicine physician, responded critically to Peterson’s ritual in a post on X.
“IV hydration the night BEFORE games?! So like 12-24 hours before? This is just silly” Sutterer wrote. “Also, there’s no evidence that IV hydration is any better than oral unless you’re puking or completely crashing/unstable vitals. Players getting IVs for cramping isn’t evidence based”.
IV hydration the night BEFORE games?! So like 12-24 hours before? This is just silly
Also, there’s no evidence that IV hydration is any better than oral unless you’re puking or completely crashing/unstable vitals. Players getting IVs for cramping isn’t evidence based https://t.co/wnKDzRBve7
— Brian Sutterer MD (@BrianSuttererMD) February 22, 2026
Sutterer expanded on his remarks in another post: “Before anyone tries to get on me for saying IV fluids are worthless, I’m referring to your run of the mill cramping, dehydration etc in an athlete during practice/games.
“Assuming they can drink fluids, drinking water and electrolytes is just as good and far less invasive”, Sutterer wrote. “I can’t think of any reason an athlete should need IV fluids the night before they play basketball unless they have a serious medical condition or electrolyte problem that can’t be managed with oral.”
Peterson is averaging 19.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game, while shooting 48.0% from the floor. Self and Peterson’s teammates hope he will be available Monday night.
That is when the No. 8-ranked Jayhawks, 20-7 this season, host the No. 2-ranked Houston Cougars, 23-4 overall, at Allen Fieldhouse in a marquee college basketball matchup.
