SNAPSHOT

An old-fashioned big man who brings size, strength and an imposing presence to the table as an NBA Draft prospect for the 2025 class, Ryan Kalkbrenner will be appealing to teams looking to boost their frontcourt stocks for the coming years.

With an impressive wingspan, Kalkbrenner has an ability to swat shots and finish inside the paint, making him an effective two-way big man, and the super senior should be able to translate his game to the top level thanks to his physical stature and experience.

DRAFT PROFILE

Growing up in St Louis, Missouri, Kalkbrenner attended Trinity Catholic High School, and made a name for himself throughout his junior campaign with the school's basketball team, emerging as an impressive big man who was destined for the NCAA in the coming years.

The big man received offers from Purdue, Stanford and Kansas, but opted to join the Creighton Bluejays for his collegiate career, and put together an impressive five-year stint with the school as he consistently developed over the seasons.

Renowned for his defence, Kalkbrenner worked on the offensive parts of his game throughout his time with the Bluejays, and that was highlighted by a career-high 49 points in his most recent season, courtesy of a whopping 20 made field goals.

Throughout his final campaign with the team, Kalkbrenner averaged 19.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.7 blocks per game, while shooting 65.3 per cent from the field, 34.4 per cent from behind the arc and 68.1 per cent from the charity stripe.

STRENGTHS

+ Rim protection
+ Interior offence
+ Playmaking
+ Shooting potential

IMPROVEMENTS

- Perimeter defence
- Rebounding production

Kalkbrenner was one of the best interior defenders in college basketball during his time in the NCAA, using his immense wingspan to alter and deflect opposing shots around the basket. He averaged over two blocks a game in four of his five seasons, including 3.1 in his senior campaign, so he has the nous to protect the paint.

On the offensive end, the big man does his best work around the paint, making the most of his frame to reach over the top of the opposition and finish inside. A consistent lob threat, Kalkbrenner is best paired with a gifted point guard, although he has shown plenty of upside as a shooter over recent years.

He can also impact the game as a connector with ball in hand, making crucial passes in halfcourt sets to open up the play and make life easier for his teammates. Although these plays are not reflected on the stat sheet, they play a vital role in team success.

Where Kalkbrenner may find the most trouble at the top level is in his perimeter defence, as he can struggle when guards get switched onto him. If he can hold his own more when left on an island, it will make him a more well-rounded defender.

DRAFT PROJECTION: Second round

Kalkbrenner has all the tools to make it at the top level as a center, mainly his size, wingspan and defensive traits. If he can continue his upward trajectory as a shooter and improve his reliability as a perimeter defender, he could evolve into a starting big man in the coming years.