Kansas star Darrin Peterson offered an absurd explanation to ease some teams’ concerns ahead of next month’s NBA Draft.

For many basketball evaluators, there was no more exciting NBA prospect than the Jayhawks guard in the 2025-26 college basketball season as the freshman was one of the most prolific scorers in the country. He has a great mid-range game, but can also be a force at the basket and from three. But he doesn’t need to be a ball hog and can be dangerous without it.

Additionally, the 6-foot-5 guard has a wingspan similar to that of a 6-foot-10 player, and this, along with his athletic ability, plays a significant role in why he is also a difference-maker on the defensive side of the ball. He has the potential to become a perennial All-Star at the next level. However, he had one major challenge stacked against him in his lone season at Kansas: his availability.

Of the Jayhawks’ 35 games, Peterson missed 11, and there were instances when he asked to leave games early while on the heater. This led to questions about how dedicated he was to winning, as the crux of it all often seemed to be the excuse.

Well, this week, Peterson tried to calm some doubters about possibly being the No. 1 pick in June’s draft with an explanation of cramp issues. The 19-year-old told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that “a new round of blood tests and other tests” by doctors during the pre-draft process revealed that creatine was the cause of his cramps.

Darryn Peterson feared he was dying during convulsive episode in September

“I had never taken it before, but after the season, I took two weeks off and they did tests that showed my baseline levels were already high,” he said. “So, when I took the dose they said [a process of increasing a dose over time to create maximum benefit at the beginning of taking a supplement]”This would have made the levels unsafe.”

Peterson revealed that his cramps got so bad at a Kansas boot camp in September that he actually feared he might die.

“I took it to the training room and begged them to call 911,” Peterson recalled of the cramps he felt in his legs, stomach, back, arms and hands. “They were trying to give me an IV, get a vein to get me back hydrated. But I was convulsing so hard they couldn’t get the vein out. I thought I was going to die on the training table that day.”

In recent mock drafts, Peterson is projected to go to the Indiana Pacers (No. 2) or the Brooklyn Nets (No. 2) in Round 1 of the NBA Draft.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, stories and content you may have missed on Friday.

montreal canadiens news

• Unfortunately for the organization, the Laval Rocket also dropped their playoff game, losing 6–2 to the Toronto Marlies. Laval actually established a 2–0 lead midway through the first period, but the Marlies’ four powerplay goals were too much to handle. [AHL]

• One of the main reasons the Canadiens have been able to keep up with the Lightning is because of the play on the team’s third line. Or is this his fourth line? Either way, Alexandre Texier, Kirby Dach and Zachary Bolduc are scoring at a first-line pace. [Caufield Among Finalists For Lady Byng Memorial Trophy]

• Caufield, one of the players who has struggled at 5v5, was quick to send his praise.

Cole Coffield on Bolduc-Dach-Texier’s Habs line today:

“They’ve been unbelievable. For them to be able to see the puck low low and see a lot of the puck in the O-zone, it definitely helps our whole team. I think everybody has stepped up in their own way and brought more… pic.twitter.com/FaqV2hy9po

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 1 May 2026

• As for Bolduc, he is one of several young players in the province who were inspired by the experienced Brendan Gallagher.

When he was just a kid, Zachary Bolduc (left in photo) went to an autograph session in Trois-Rivières.

Who was giving autographs that day? Brendan Gallagher.

Today, not only are they teammates, but Zachary Bolduc told me this… pic.twitter.com/7BXNMB7HTj

– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) 1 May 2026

• Gallagher is appreciative of the support he has received since returning to the lineup.

“I really appreciate the support I get from my peers!” -Gallagher pic.twitter.com/iWbaHIfT6o

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) 1 May 2026

• With all due respect to Henrik Lundqvist, the game clearly lacks respect for Jacob Dobbs. Sure, he’s a rookie, but you could argue he’s done just as good a job as the veteran Andrei Vasilevskiy.

.@HLundqvist Revealed his Eastern Conference hackings 👀 pic.twitter.com/X8pIEEZXN1

– NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) 30 April 2026

• big bill It truly epitomizes what it means to be a member of the Montreal Canadiens.

Apparently after being named the first NHL Conn Smythe winner on this day in 1965:

Initially Jean Beliveau did not like the trophy very much nor was she very keen on having photographs taken with it, as it was a silver replica of the Maple Leaf Gardens. https://t.co/aHY4VtnDZp pic.twitter.com/3Laa5oKALw

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 1 May 2026

• Noah Dobson skated on Friday, and by all accounts, it looks like he’s as close as possible to returning to the lineup. There were also some whispers that he was almost cleared to play in Game 6.

noah dobson on ice #hubs Morning skate after missing the first five games of the playoff series vs. the Lightning due to a thumb injury. pic.twitter.com/2rmifJ6dOw

– Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) 1 May 2026

• Juraj Slafkowski decided to take a shot at Max Crozier, who was taken out of the lineup for Game 6.

Juraj Slafkowski on running into the Lightning’s Max Crozier in Game 4 today:

“He got a good hit. Good for the guy. He doesn’t play a lot so maybe that makes him play a little more. Gotta take it, it doesn’t matter if I get a hit or anything, it’s (about) how I come back. I just… pic.twitter.com/0NRLsMnSO7

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) 1 May 2026

Sportsknot Network

• Everything is being evaluated with the New Jersey Devils for GM Sunny Mehta, until they don’t. On Friday, Mehta made his first change as Devils GM, who has control of hockey operations. [New Jersey Devils]

• Mehta will face big decisions this summer as he decides on five key New Jersey Devils pending free agents – including a big ‘maybe’. Priority No. 1 for Mehta should be to lock up Nico Hischier as soon as he’s eligible, however, he has one year left on his deal. It would not be wise to keep it hanging for long, but the time is there. [New Jersey Devils]

• The Ottawa Senators have kept Brady Tkachuk under contract for two more seasons, and trade rumors are heating up. Tkachuk’s future with Ottawa remains in doubt, despite captain’s recent comments regarding trade rumors [Ottawa Senators]

Mark has been covering the Habs for over a decade. He previously worked for the Journal Metro, The Athletic, The… More about Mark Dumont

College basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale has been a recognizable and lovingly emulated voice of the game for more than 40 years. When someone has been in your living room for decades, you feel like you know them a little bit.

So when someone like that goes through tough times, it impacts the fans too. Such is the case with Vitale, who delivered serious news on Monday by announcing that he has been diagnosed with cancer for the fifth time.

Fifth time. (voice) Cancer, as they say.

The 86-year-old icon revealed that a recent biopsy confirmed melanoma in his lung and liver cavity.

Dick Vitale Just Delivered Grim News — And He’s Already Fighting Back

Vitale shared the update via a statement released to ESPN and social media after several days of medical testing, which included scans, MRI, bloodwork and a biopsy. He noted that the results were not what he had hoped for when his oncologist called, but now he knows exactly what he is facing and will begin immunotherapy treatment immediately.

“I beat melanoma,” Vitale said. “I’ve beat lymphoma. I’ve beat vocal-rod cancer. I’ve beat lymph-node cancer. I’m 4 for 4, and I’m pretty confident I’m going to make it 5 for 5.”

Yes, Dickie Wee! Millions of your fans are also attracted towards you.

“I obviously didn’t get the report I was expecting today when my oncologist called,” he said. “At least now I know what I have to face.”

I obviously didn’t get the report I was expecting today when my oncologist called. It’s been 10 days of multiple exams – PET scan – CAT scan – 2 MRI’s – biopsy – multiple bloodwork – now at least I know what I’m facing. Melanoma lung and liver cavity cancer would mean that I…

– Dick Vitale (@DickieV) 13 April 2026

The longtime voice of college basketball, who began his career as a high school coach before rising to prominence at ESPN in 1979, said he feels “fantastic” and remains motivated at age 86. He expressed gratitude for his life and emphasized his commitment to continue his work to raise funds for children battling cancer.

“At 86, I’ve lived a hell of a life and I’m more motivated than ever to raise money for kids battling cancer,” Vitale said.

The man is still thinking about how he can help others. This is certainly a testament to his character.

Dick Vitale’s journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, filled with scares that would have defied the spirit of lesser people. From melanoma to lymphoma to vocal cord cancer, Dickie V has faced it all.

And he has done so with utmost grace.

Rusty Weis is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys and Xavier Musketeers. He has been writing professionally… More about Rusty Weiss

“The Mendoza Mafia is deeply entrenched.” That’s how the quarterback describes his family — and for Fernando Mendoza, that support system has been everything.

The Indiana Hoosiers QB is officially taking his talents to the next level in April after declaring for the NFL Draft in 2025 following a dream season. Once a lightly recruited guy coming out of high school who began his college career at Cal, Mendoza flipped the script in a big way — winning the Heisman Trophy and leading Indiana to a national championship victory over Miami in January.

At the center of it all is her mother, Elsa. Living with multiple sclerosis, she has been his constant source of strength and inspiration.

Who are Fernando Mendoza’s parents?

Fernando Mendoza’s parents are Elsa and Fernando Mendoza Sr.

Why is Fernando Mendoza’s mother in a wheelchair?

Elsa Mendoza has been one of Fernando’s toughest fighters. And his story reaches deeper than football. A former college tennis player at the University of Miami, Elsa was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007 and is now confined to a wheelchair. Like the rest of the family, she is of Cuban origin, with her parents having settled in Miami. That flexibility? It’s clearly part of the Mendoza DNA.

In December 2025, Elsa shared a heartfelt letter Players’ Tribune This gave fans a closer look at his journey. He admitted that he once saw Fernando following his path in tennis. “My dream was for you to play tennis like me,” she wrote, recalling how she had coached him from his college practice when they were younger.

What does Fernando Mendoza’s father do?

According to his bio and LinkedIn, his father, Fernando Mendoza Sr., is a medical director at Nicklaus Children’s Health System in Miami. Of Cuban roots, his parents immigrated from Cuba and settled in Miami. Mendoza Sr. brings a strong cultural and business foundation.

But before the white coat, he had real athletic chops. A gold medalist in rowing at the 1987 Junior World Championships, he later competed at Brown while studying biology. From there, he progressed academically – earning his medical degree from the University of Florida, completing his residency at Jackson Memorial in Miami, and adding a fellowship at Boston Medical Center.

Does Fernando Mendoza have siblings?

Fernando Mendoza has two brothers – Alberto and Max. Alberto plays football with Fernando for the Indiana Hoosiers and Max is in Miami.

The Milwaukee Bucks suffered a blow against the Miami Heat on Thursday at Kasia Center when Ousmane Dieng missed the remainder of the contest due to an illness.

Dieng has been playing well since the Bucks acquired him from the Chicago Bulls before the trade deadline, even earning a starting spot right away.

Milwaukee announced on the air that he would not return to the game. Dieng, who was subbed out in the third quarter, failed to score in 14 minutes.

The Bucks are trying to snap a two-game slump, while the Heat are coming off a memorable win against the Washington Wizards, with Bam Adebayo leading the way with 83 points.

Dieng probably has a chip on his shoulder after the Oklahoma City Thunder traded him to the Charlotte Hornets with a second-round pick in February, despite helping them win last season’s championship. In return the Thunder received Mason Plumlee.

Dieng was traded to the Bulls along with Collin Sexton and three second-round picks in exchange for Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. Two days later, Dieng arrived at the Bucks in a three-team deal that also included the Phoenix Suns.

The feeling of being pinballed wasn’t good for Dieng’s morale, but since landing in Milwaukee, he has seen a bigger role, averaging 8.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 22.9 minutes.

At the age of 22, he has a lot to offer. Being moved to the Bucks, where he could learn from Giannis Antetokounmpo, looks like a blessing in disguise for the 11th overall pick.

At the time of writing, Miami leads Milwaukee in the fourth quarter.

谁赢得了周六的 NASCAR 比赛？卡车系列赛在佛罗里达州圣彼得堡举行，而奥莱利汽车配件系列赛则在德克萨斯州奥斯汀的美洲赛道拉开了周末比赛的序幕。康纳·齐利施 (Connor Zilisch)、肖恩·范·吉斯伯根 (Shane Van Gisbergen)、布伦特·克鲁斯 (Brent Crews)、罗斯·查斯坦 (Ross Chastain) 和奥斯汀·希尔 (Austin Hill) 等人参加了比赛，事实证明，德克萨斯州的周六是一个有趣的周六。

今天让我们深入了解一下 COTA 的 NASCAR O’Reilly 系列赛结果。我们将从 Focused Health 250 的完整 O’Reilly Auto Parts 系列阶段结果开始。

了解更多： NASCAR COTA 首发阵容、杯赛系列资格赛结果

NASCAR O’Reilly 系列今日成绩：聚焦健康 250

相关：圣彼得堡今天的 NASCAR 卡车系列赛结果

NASCAR O’Reilly 汽车配件系列赛阶段成绩 COTA

以下是在 COTA 举办的奥莱利汽车配件系列赛 NASCAR 赛段成绩。

今天谁赢得了 NASCAR O’Reilly 比赛？

Shane van Gisbergen 今天在德克萨斯州奥斯汀美洲赛道举行的 NASCAR O’Reilly 汽车配件系列赛中赢得了 Focused Health 250 冠军。

马特·约翰逊 (Matt Johnson) 是《Sportsnaut》杂志《NFL》和《大学橄榄球》的高级编辑。他的工作包括每周 NFL 和大学……有关马特·约翰逊的更多信息

誰贏得了周六的 NASCAR 比賽？卡車系列賽在佛羅裡達州聖彼得堡舉行，而奧萊利汽車配件系列賽則在德克薩斯州奧斯汀的美洲賽道拉開了周末比賽的序幕。康納·齊利施 (Connor Zilisch)、肖恩·範·吉斯伯根 (Shane Van Gisbergen)、布倫特·克魯斯 (Brent Crews)、羅斯·查斯坦 (Ross Chastain) 和奧斯汀·希爾 (Austin Hill) 等人參加了比賽，事實證明，德克薩斯州的周六是一個有趣的周六。

今天讓我們深入了解 COTA 的 NASCAR O’Reilly 系列賽結果。我們將從 Focused Health 250 的完整 O’Reilly Auto Parts 系列階段結果開始。

了解更多： NASCAR COTA 首發陣容、杯賽系列資格賽結果

NASCAR O’Reilly 系列今日成績：聚焦健康 250

相關：聖彼得堡今天的 NASCAR 卡車系列賽結果

NASCAR O’Reilly 汽車配件系列賽階段成績 COTA

以下是在 COTA 舉辦的奧萊利汽車配件系列賽 NASCAR 賽段成績。

今天誰贏得了 NASCAR O’Reilly 比賽？

Shane van Gisbergen 今天在德克薩斯州奧斯汀美洲賽道舉行的 NASCAR O’Reilly 汽車配件系列賽中贏得了 Focused Health 250 冠軍。

馬特·約翰遜 (Matt Johnson) 是《Sportsnaut》雜誌《NFL》和《大學橄欖球》的高級編輯。他的工作包括每週 NFL 和大學……有關馬特·約翰遜的更多信息

During his first appearance at All-Star weekend, a reporter asked Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren about the growth he has seen with the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder’s Holmgren discussed his personal growth this season ahead of his first All-Star Game selection. However, he was hesitant to talk about how much the Nuggets have improved as a team.

Instead, Holmgren discussed the injuries the Nuggets have experienced this season, much like the Thunder’s injury-plagued campaign.

“Denver has some different players on the roster who have taken some steps this summer,” Holmgren said. “They were a really good team last year. They’re a really good team this year. They’ve had some injuries, as we have, as everybody in the league has. Hopefully, they can get those guys back, and we can get all our guys back. At the end of the day, every team wants to be completely healthy and playing at their best. So, that’s what we’re hoping for.”

The Nuggets were without All-Star Nikola Jokic for more than a month. The Thunder have been missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the last five games. Oklahoma City has also struggled with injuries to Jalen Williams, who has missed 30+ games this season; starting center Isaiah Hartenstein, who has missed 16 games; And Ajay Mitchell, who has been out since January 21.

Chet Holmgren reacts to the new All-Star Game

Thunder forward Chet Holmgren discusses the new All-Star Game format after making his debut in the star-studded event. Holmgren reflected on career milestones.

Holmgren said, “I thought it was good. I thought everybody out there was playing a good brand of basketball.” “It felt like, I guess you would say, a pick-up game, and when there’s that level of talent on the field, it’s always fun, it’s always good.”

He also talked about the ring he received for his All-Star selection, which was unexpected for Holmgren.

Holmgren said, “It was pretty cool. I didn’t know you could get an All-Star ring until I got it.” “So, it was pretty cool. It comes with a little box with a little video in it. It’s too bad, but I think I like our ring from last year a little more.”

Holmgren says he treasures the moment of his first All-Star Game.

“I definitely tried to take a moment during pictures yesterday and then warming up and playing the game today and think what a great opportunity this is,” Holmgren said. “I felt like I was beautiful most of the time. Just taking it all in.”

Holmgren and the Thunder resume their regular season schedule when they host the Nets on Friday.