NCAA Basketball: Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2023-24 season

8. Creighton Bluejays

2022-23 season record: 24-13 (14-6 Big East)

After starting out last season with top-10 talent and expectations, Creighton nearly made the Final Four, losing in the last seconds to San Diego State in the Elite 8. They had the chance to return all five starters for another year but unfortunately for them, both Ryan Nembhard and Arthur Kaluma opted to transfer out.

The good news is that the top three scorers did return. They’re led by big man Ryan Kalkbreener, who led the Bluejays with 15.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg, along with being the two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year. Offensive threat Baylor Scheierman (12.8 ppg and 8.3 rpg) is starting on the wing, while Trey Alexander (13.6 ppg) could be primed for a big year on the stat sheet.

The big transfer pickup for the program this offseason was Steven Ashworth, the starting point guard on a Utah State squad that made the NCAA Tournament. The 6’1 guard was one of the best players in the Mountain West, averaging 16.2 ppg and 4.5 apg on 43% shooting from deep. At least on the offensive end, Ashworth could end up being an upgrade for Creighton.

The only real question for the Bluejays is who takes over for Kaluma at the four? Former four-star recruits Mason Miller and Issac Traudt will compete at that position, with Memphis transfer Johnathan Lawson adding depth off the bench. This is a team with as good as any starting lineup in NCAA Basketball and there shouldn’t be much of a change for them.