OMAHA, Neb. — Ryan Kalkbrenner, a standout center and three-time defensive player in the Big East, also demonstrated his scoring prowess during a thrilling basketball matchup. In Creighton’s first game of the season, Kalkbrenner excelled, racking up an impressive 49 points in the Bluejays’ 99-86 victory against UT-Rio Grande Valley. His remarkable effort included setting a new school record with 20 successful field goals out of 22 attempts.
Reflecting on his monumental performance, Kalkbrenner remarked, “I kind of didn’t realize how much I had.” With the game being closely contested, he focused more on contributing to the team’s success rather than his personal statistics. After being acknowledged by the crowd with a standing ovation upon his exit from the game, he took a glance at the scoreboard and noted, “Pretty good game.”
Besides his scoring feat, the preseason Big East player of the year also recorded 11 rebounds and blocked three shots. In the game’s closing moments, the crowd eagerly chanted for him to attempt a shot to reach the 50-point milestone. Unbeknownst to him that he was only a point away, he opted to pass instead, showing his team-oriented mindset. “Having a good first game is awesome,” said Kalkbrenner, “but we have thirty-something games left, and hopefully, games that mean a lot more.”
As he walked off the court to applause, fans chanted “MVP! MVP!” demonstrating their appreciation for his performance. Kalkbrenner explained, “We kind of went into the game with a plan to establish me in the post, and we went with that.” His relentless focus on the game allowed him to remain in the moment, aiming to deliver on each offensive opportunity.
His 49-point tally is now the second-highest for a Creighton player, surpassing the benchmark set by notable past players. The record for the most points remains at 51, accomplished by Bob Portman in 1967. Kalkbrenner’s achievement marks the 15th occasion a Creighton athlete has scored over 40 points, a milestone that has also been reached six times by Doug McDermott, a notable figure in the school’s history.
Not only has Kalkbrenner showcased excellence on the defensive end of the court, but his offensive skills were on full display as he scored adeptly with both hands, performed spin moves, and even sunk a couple of three-pointers. He also added seven successful free throws and recorded two assists.
Creighton’s coach, Greg McDermott, praised Kalkbrenner’s talents, stating, “He’s one of the best players to ever play here, and there have been some really good players that have played here.” He affirmed the importance of recognizing Kalkbrenner’s skills in the context of the program’s history.
After contemplating declaration for the NBA draft following last season, Kalkbrenner ultimately chose to return to Creighton for an additional year to refine his abilities further. Coach McDermott expressed his gratitude for coaching Kalkbrenner, noting his unwavering dedication to improvement since his first season. “This is my 15th year and five are with him,” McDermott commented, highlighting the progress Keller had made and the aspirations he holds for the future.