Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
Ryan Kalkbrenner
Position: Center
School: Creighton
Class: Senior
Height/Weight: 7'1", 270 lbs
Birthdate: January 17, 2002
High School: Trinity Catholic (MO)
Player Overview
Ryan Kalkbrenner is a dominant defensive presence and rim protector who has been a cornerstone for the Creighton Bluejays throughout his collegiate career. As a three-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Kalkbrenner has proven his ability to alter shots, anchor defenses, and secure the paint. Offensively, he thrives as a rim-runner and low-post scorer, showcasing soft hands, strong finishing through contact, and an expanding offensive repertoire. His mid-range game is reliable, and he has shown increased willingness to step out to the three-point line, hinting at stretch-big potential.
While Kalkbrenner’s interior dominance is undeniable, questions remain about his mobility and versatility in defending quicker players on the perimeter. Concerns about his footspeed, agility, and lateral movement could pose challenges against NBA-level athletes. Despite these areas for improvement, Kalkbrenner’s size, shot-blocking ability, and improving offensive skill set make him a valuable prospect for teams needing a defensive anchor.
"Kalkbrenner’s remarkable size and skill set allow him to make an impact in numerous ways—as a defensive anchor, rim protector, low-post threat, finisher at the rim, and stretch big." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Elite Rim Protection: Dominant shot-blocker with exceptional timing and positioning.
Low-Post Scoring: Effective scorer in the post with soft hands and the ability to finish through contact.
Rebounding Ability: Strong rebounder, particularly on the offensive glass, creating second-chance opportunities.
Stretch Potential: Developing range with increased confidence stepping out to the three-point line.
Defensive Anchor: High IQ defender who communicates well and anchors the team’s defense.
Concerns
Mobility on Switches: Struggles with lateral quickness and defending guards on the perimeter.
Athleticism: Limited agility and quick directional changes could be exploited at the next level.
Consistency as a Shooter: While improved, his three-point shooting remains inconsistent.
Questions
Is Kalkbrenner close to his ceiling as a player, or can he unlock more potential?
Can he become a reliable three-point threat to expand his offensive game?
Will his defensive versatility improve enough to handle perimeter switches?
Bottom Line
Ryan Kalkbrenner’s size, rim protection, and low-post scoring make him an attractive prospect for NBA teams seeking a defensive anchor and interior presence. While his athletic limitations and mobility on switches pose challenges, his improving shooting and high basketball IQ give him a pathway to succeed as a modern center. Continued development in shooting consistency and defensive versatility will determine his ceiling at the next level.
Stay ahead of the game! Check out the Babcock Hoops 2025 NBA Draft Big Board to discover the top-ranked prospects and their potential draft positions.