NCAA Basketball: Kentucky, Purdue, Wisconsin rise in latest top 25 power rankings

11. Creighton (4-0)

There are prominent pieces in place for Creighton, with these Bluejays posing one of the nation’s strongest lineups once again. While several recent names have come and gone, this program will stay in this fantastic shape for these final years with Ryan Kalkbrenner helming the paint. What he brings onto the court for the Bluejays cannot be understated and we’ve certainly seen it in the opening weeks.

Creighton actually played back on Sunday, winning 96-70 over Fairleigh Dickinson in a game where Kalkbrenner scored 24 points. The Bluejays had an even more dominant effort a few days later, getting a 78-43 victory against Houston Christian on Wednesday. Kalkbrenner had 16 points to lead the scoring effort, not missing a shot from the field. Three days later, Creighton finished a busy week with another win, this time triumphing 79-56 over Kansas City, with double-doubles from both Kalkbrenner and Jamiya Neal.

The additions of Pop Isaacs and Neal in particular have strengthened a lineup that can cause major damage this season, especially in a tough Big East race. A lot of the success starts with Kalkbrenner, who might be the best defensive frontcourt player in the nation while also possessing awesome offensive metrics. As long as he’s in the lineup you can expect fireworks from the Bluejays. The early schedule has been weak, though they’ll face in-state rival Nebraska at the end of next week for a first real test.