NCAA Tournament 2023: Ranking the starting lineups of each Sweet 16 team

1. Creighton (6-seed)

Trey Alexander (Sophomore – Guard)

Honored last year as one of the Big East’s best freshmen, Alexander has continued to improve as a sophomore, averaging 13.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game this year. He’s hit 42% of his 3-pointers this season and does solid work on the defensive end as well, impressive numbers for a sophomore on a talented team. Alexander had 17 points and 9 rebounds in the Bluejay’s big win over Baylor in the second round, but also hit seven 3-pointers against Georgetown less than a month ago.

Ryan Kalkbrenner (Junior – Center)

One of the nation’s best frontcourt weapons, Kalkbrenner was not just First Team All-Big East this season but won his second straight Big East Defensive Player of the Year award. In averaging 15.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game he actually leads the entire nation in field goal percentage (71%) and was one of the most highly-rated offensive players in the country. Kalkbrenner had 31 points and 7 rebounds in another fantastic performance in the opening round of the Tournament against NC State.

Arthur Kaluma (Sophomore – Forward)

Another sophomore who’s contributing at a high level for the Bluejays, Kaluma averages 11.9 points and 6.0 rebounds a game and has taken steps forwards with his game this year. He’s shooting the ball better from outside the arc, and is a great rebounder for a Creighton squad filled with rebounding ability. He’s been in double-figures for each of Creighton’s first two Tournament games and is a few months removed from a career-high 27 points against BYU earlier in the year.

Ryan Nembhard (Sophomore – Guard)

Not overshadowed by his brother Andrew, Nembhard has been extremely effective as Creighton’s point guard, averaging 11.9 points and 4.9 assists in his second collegiate season after earning Rookie of the Year honors in the Big East last year. He’s a major weapon on a roster full of talent and proved it with a 30-point performance in their upset win over Baylor on Sunday night to make the Sweet Sixteen.

Baylor Scheierman (Junior – Guard)

Last year’s Summit League Player of the Year, Scheierman has fit in nicely with the Bluejays, averaging 12.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in his first season in Creighton. His shooting numbers are down this season, but he can still be electric from outside the arc, and he’s also one of the best defensive rebounders in the nation. Scheierman has had some great efforts this season and is quietly doing the same to this point in the Big Dance.