It was a good NBA Draft deadline period for the Creighton Bluejays, bringing back both Ryan Kalkbrenner and Trey Alexander for another season. That helps make up for losing two starters, Ryan Nembhard and Arthur Kaluma. Speaking of Kaluma, he had originally entered the NCAA Basketball transfer portal a month ago but was focusing on the draft process.
Now that Kaluma has opted to return for another year, he instantly becomes one of the best free agents remaining. He’s a 6’8 power forward coming off averaging 11.8 ppg and 6.0 rpg as the 4th or 5th option on offense. So imagine what he’ll do as more of the focal point in a new system?
NEWS: Former Creighton forward Arthur Kaluma is withdrawing from the NBA draft and returning to college, sources told ESPN. He's now arguably the best available frontcourt transfer - with Alabama, Texas, Texas Tech, Kentucky among those in pursuit. Story: https://t.co/rFoMUwNzur
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) May 31, 2023
There are four reported teams in the mix and while they’re not likely to be the last, it’s a good start to see where Kaluma may ultimately end up. Here’s a closer look at his fit with each option.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Although he plays a slightly different position, Alabama can make the selling point to Kaluma that he can have the same kind of role as Brandon Miller did this past season. The former five-star wing averaged nearly 20 ppg and was an All-American and is now a projected top-5 NBA Draft pick.
The Tide lost both Noah Clowney and Noah Gurley at the four-spot, giving Kaluma the chance to be a focal point of the offense. And under Coach Nate Oats, Alabama has been one of the top offensive systems in the entire sport. They’re reportedly after five-star freshman prospect and reclass candidate Jarin Stevenson, along with another forward target, Grant Nelson. Kaluma can play next to Nelson but maybe not Stevenson so there could be a domino effect that makes this an interesting option.