NCAA Basketball: 10 teams with most to lose with pending 2023 NBA Draft decisions

3. Creighton Bluejays

Players to watch: Trey Alexander, Arthur Kaluma, and Ryan Kalkbrenner

When Creighton returned four starters from the season prior, it was expected that all of them would be testing the NBA Draft process, with 1 or 2 maybe even leaving. Technically, one has left, as starting point guard Ryan Nembhard transferred out and landed at Gonzaga. The good news is that they quickly recovered, landing Utah State transfer Steven Ashworth to replace him.

The Bluejays also have sharpshooting wing, Baylor Scheierman, back for an extra year as well. It comes down to the other three guys, including guard Trey Alexander, who averaged 13.6 ppg. He’s the best pro prospect in the group and could easily be a top-40 pick.

Kaluma is also a draftable candidate as a quality athletic four-man with two-way potential. He’s been rumored as the most likely of the trio to leave and unless Virginia transfer Isaac Traudt can replace him, that’ll be a tough blow.

The most important player is Kalkbrenner, a 7’0 big man and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He led the Bluejays with 15.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg and is an elite defender. If Creighton loses him, they’ll go from a Final Four contender to a good, but not great team next season.