The Creighton Bluejays opened the 2024–25 season dominantly behind Ryan Kalkbrenner. The veteran center powered a 99-86 win over UTRGV with a career-high 49 points. Kalkbrenner entered the season as the Big East Preseason Player of the Year favorite. He also owns two All-Big East selections and three Big East Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Kalkbrenner showcased patience and poise on the block throughout the opener. His footwork resembled that of a classic back-to-the-basket big man. He scored efficiently using soft jump hooks with either hand. He also punished defenders with drop steps that led to easy dunks.
I spoke with Kalkbrenner at Big East Media Day and asked him what he hopes to demonstrate to NBA scouts in his final collegiate season.
“I just need to show them I’m stronger than I was last year, running better than I was last year, shoot the ball a little better; I mean, these are all things I don’t got to like reinvent the wheel to do it’s all within me, and I just got to show them this year.”
In Creighton’s season opener, Kalkbrenner quickly expanded his offensive profile. He showcased elite touch in the post while stepping out to knock down two three-pointers. That early success highlighted his ability to stretch the floor, a skill coveted among modern big men. Continued consistency from deep would only boost his NBA draft stock.
Kalkbrenner shot just 16-of-54 from three last season. Making his first two attempts this year signaled meaningful progress for both him and the Blue Jays.
Kalkbrenner’s impact extended far beyond scoring. He grabbed 11 rebounds and reminded everyone why he remains one of college basketball’s most feared shot blockers. He added three blocks while finishing with 49 points on 20-of-22 shooting from the field. The performance ranked among the most efficient high-volume games in recent memory.
Kalkbrenner consistently used his 7-foot-1, 270-pound frame to seal defenders deep in the post. That positioning allowed him to turn and score with ease. He also flashed impressive mobility for his size. Kalkbrenner finished lobs out of the pick-and-roll and converted lob passes on inbound plays.
Those sequences highlighted his ability to score beyond traditional post touches. His combination of size, touch, and movement stressed the defense all night. Kalkbrenner also showed a soft touch at the foul line. He converted 7-of-8 free throws, further underscoring his polished offensive night.
“We kind of went into the game with a plan to establish me in the post, and we went with that,” Kalkbrenner said. “I kept working and wasn’t really thinking about what happened the previous play. I was just trying to make the next one.”
Creighton coach Greg McDermott had high praise for his star Big East center.
“To go to work like he did in the offseason and then the first time you’re under the lights for real to do something superhuman, it’s pretty special,” Bluejays coach Greg McDermott said. “And he deserves it. There’s not a person on the planet that deserves success more than Ryan Kalkbrenner because of the way he’s approached everything on a daily basis.”
Kalkbrenner set some records in his 2024-25 jaw-dropping opening performance, per ESPN:
– Fifth-most points in a game in Big East history
– The second-most points in Creighton history, behind Bob Portman’s 51 against UW-Milwaukee in 1967
– Second-most points by a player in a season opener in the past 25 years (Arkansas’ Rotnei Clarke had 51 in a win over Alcorn State in 2009)
– 20 made field goals tied the single-game Big East record (Providence’s MarShon Brooks against Notre Dame in 2011)
– His 91% shooting from the field was the highest field goal percentage in a 45-point game by any Division I player in the past 25 seasons and the highest by a player to attempt 20 or more shots in a game over the past 25 years.
Despite the historic night, Kalkbrenner kept his focus. He emphasized the importance of sustaining success over the long season.
“Having a good first game is awesome,” Kalkbrenner said, “but we have 30-something games left, and hopefully games that mean a lot more.”
Creighton returns home Sunday at 5 p.m. ET against Fairleigh Dickinson. If the opener proved anything, the Bluejays appear poised for a deep run.
Yep, we have one too
