22. Creighton
Life will look very different for the Bluejays next season without Ryan Kalkbrenner, and he’s certainly not the only notable departure. Kalkbrenner was part of Creighton's flourishing success over the last five years, with this program coming off a fifth straight trip to the Big Dance. However, life goes on, and McDermott and his staff have spent recent weeks and months ensuring this team will continue competing at a high level in the Big East.
The Bluejays got a pair of future starters in the transfer portal from Iowa, nabbing Owen Freeman as the new center with high regard for his offensive game. Josh Dix slides into an essential role in the backcourt, while fellow transfers Nik Graves and Austin Swartz should also make their mark. Additionally, Creighton hopes for a great sophomore season from Jackson McAndrew, a forward who showed promise as a freshman and will get even more run this year.
Five transfers and a few other new faces revitalize the roster, though it’s still hard not to picture Kalkbrenner on the court next season. He’s not irreplaceable but obviously nobody on this roster has the same kind of efficiency and defensive dominance that he displayed. Regardless, Creighton has a knack for developing and showcasing talent and have the pieces to make it another special season in Omaha.