NBA Draft 2023: 8 early entry decisions to monitor for next month

Arthur Kaluma – Creighton –  6’7, 220 lbs – March 2002

Trey Alexander – Creighton – 6’4, 185 lbs – May 2003

Ryan Kalkbrenner – Creighton – 7’0, 235 lbs – January 2002

No team has more to gain or lose in the following month than Creighton. The Bluejays have three prominent starters from last year’s Elite Eight team testing the NBA Draft Waters: Arthur Kaluma, Trey Alexander, and Ryan Kalkbrenner.

Kaluma stands as the prospect with the best chance to be drafted. A versatile 6’7 wing, Kaluma has long arms, a strong frame, and has some on-ball skills that make him look like an NBA player at times.  But Kaluma didn’t take the statistical leap many thought he would this season. He shot an uninspiring 42% from the field, 31% from deep, and had a negative assist-to-turnover ratio. He doesn’t move the ball well on offense and doesn’t really have a specific skill he can use to get on an NBA floor.

Kaluma is still a borderline projected second-round pick, and should likely get a two-way contract. But, he could theoretically return to school and help his stock next season in what is perceived as a weaker class.

Alexander had a quietly good season in and a “3-and-D” off-ball role. He’s got smooth shot mechanics and even showed the ability to create for himself. I think Alexander should be in consideration for a two-way, but he isn’t in the “consensus” top 60 at this point. Pre-draft workouts could help him rise, but coming back to school and playing on the ball more could also benefit him.

Kalkbrenner is the least likely to be picked of the three, but the most important piece to Creighton’s puzzle. He was one of the best rim-protectors in college basketball last season, using his height and instincts to continuously alter shots around the rim. He needs to improve offensively at finishing through contact and isn’t much of a weapon out of the post at this stage.

Kalkbrenner’s mold is getting phased out of the NBA a bit, but there are still teams that find value in big drop-coverage centers.

Creighton has already retained sharp-shooter Baylor Schierman for another year. They lost point guard Ryan Nembhard to the portal but did pick up Utah State point guard Steven Ashworth. If the Blue Jays can retain all three of Kalkbrenner, Kaluma, and Alexander, then they have the potential to be a top-five team heading into next season.