High-scoring outings are far less common in college basketball than in the pros. The games are shorter and talent levels are lower. But we do occasionally see these outbursts, just like Ryan Kalkbrenner did in Creighton’s season opener against UT Rio Grande Valley.
The senior seven-footer dropped an absurd 49 points (20/22, 95% true shooting), 11 boards, two assists and three blocks in Creighton’s 13-point win. Kalkbrenner’s scoring explosion ties last season’s scoring high, notched by Denver’s Tommy Bruner.
Throughout his Creighton career, Kalkbrenner has established himself as one of the country’s best centers. He’s increased his scoring volume each season, averaging 17.3 points per game last season. Kalkbrenner’s interior defense, rebounding and efficient finishing all make him an elite college center.
Against UTRGV, Kalkbrenner dominated on the interior. He made all 14 of his shots at the hoop and drained seven of his eight free-throw attempts. His finishing has been dominant throughout his college career, shooting 76% on nearly 800 rim attempts with a 41.3 free-throw rate.
His enormous stature, light feet and elite touch around the rim make it difficult for most to handle him. UT Rio Grande Valley’s tallest starter, Hasan Abdul Hakim, stands at just 6’8. Simply put, nobody on the opposing defense could handle Kalkbrenner in the post, as a roller and on the glass.
But Kalkbrenner dominates even Big East competition with that same size and skill. He won’t drop 49 in most games, but Kalkbrenner’s production should be excellent this season. With Trey Alexander and Baylor Scheierman both in the NBA, the Bluejays will rely on Kalkbrenner even more for offensive production.
That reliance could mean another uptick in three-point volume, especially against teams without more stout interior defenses. Last season, Kalkbrenner began expanding his jumper range, making 29.6% of his 54 three-point attempts. Punishing defenses who leave him alone will be key for Kalkbrenner’s NBA translation especially.
ryan kalkbrenner dho threeball! pic.twitter.com/PB93Hcr5zy
— ben pfeifer (@bjpf_) November 7, 2024
Kalkbrenner is a sturdy defender with strong positioning and shot-blocking prowess. Against smaller teams, he’ll have little trouble defending the hoop. Later in his career, he is defending further from the basket with improved mobility.
Following his fifth season of college basketball, Ryan Kalkbrenner will hope to transition to the NBA. Scoring outbursts like this will help his name continue to rise in draft circles.
