Big East Basketball: 10 biggest questions for league entering 2023-24 season
By Kyle Craib
Is This the Year for Ryan Kalkbrenner?
Creighton’s towering 7’1″ centre Ryan Kalkbrenner is on the cusp of something special entering the 2023/24 season.
Last year, Kalkbrenner’s performance was nothing short of stellar. He averaged 15.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and an impressive 2.1 blocks per game, earning him recognition as the leader in the Big East. Notably, he boasted the third-best shooting percentage in the nation at a remarkable 69.5 percent. Kalkbrenner’s prowess on the defensive end is equally noteworthy, as he secured his second Big East Defensive Player of the Year award, joining the ranks of legends like Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing, and Dikembe Mutombo.
However, the accolades don’t stop there. He earned the title of First Team All-Big East and was recognized as one of the five finalists for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, an honour given to the National Centre of the Year. Furthermore, he was among the four finalists for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.
Despite having the opportunity to declare for the NBA Draft, Kalkbrenner made the decision to return to Creighton for one last kick of the can. His commitment to the program is a testament to his dedication, but also to the potential he sees in the Bluejays. The big fella’s excellence extended into Creighton’s Summer 2023 Bahamas Tour, where he averaged an impressive 11.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks in just 18.0 minutes per game.
One of the most significant developments in Kalkbrenner’s game from last season is his physical transformation. Over the offseason, he reportedly added 35 pounds of muscle to his frame, which should allow him to throw his weight around amongst the trees of the Big East.
Kalkbrenner’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. He faced moments last season where he was bullied by stronger opponents in the paint, and his stamina was put into question following a fight with mono towards the end of 2022. However, Kalkbrenner has shown that he shines brightest in big games. He contributed significantly against formidable opponents in the Big Dance, helping power his team to an Elite Eight appearance.
With the added muscle and a stellar track record, Ryan Kalkbrenner is poised to make a strong bid for the Big East Player of the Year award in the upcoming season. His journey is a testament to hard work, determination, and the potential for greatness. Creighton fans and basketball enthusiasts alike eagerly await his next chapter, and there’s no doubt that Kalkbrenner’s story is one worth following closely.