On Hurrdat Sports Radio, Damon Benning and Ravi Lula dive into Creighton men’s basketball following its home opener against Texas-Rio Grande Valley. The topic that everyone is talking about is big man Ryan Kalkbrenner, whose dominant play in the post Wednesday promises a potential game-changer for Creighton’s upcoming season.
Kalkbrenner’s Dominance and Creighton’s Post-Centric Offense
Kalkbrenner, standing at 7-foot-1, was widely praised for his ability to take advantage of a small UTRGV frontcourt to dominate inside. Benning and Lulla note the importance of Kalkbrenner’s impressive scoring consistency, emphasizing his potential to act as a formidable force in the post. This marks a strategic shift for Creighton, with the team leveraging his inside presence rather than relying heavily on perimeter shooting or pick-and-roll plays.
Coach Greg McDermott, known for his adaptable coaching style, appears ready to experiment with this method, allowing Kalkbrenner to work independently in the post, with teammates moving strategically around him to open up outside scoring.
The Kalkbrenner Factor: Not Just Height, But Skill
The assumption from many around Kalkbrenner is that his impact is largely due to his height. Lulla points out that while Kalkbrenner does benefit from his size, his skills with the ball in his hands and his high field goal accuracy are what set him apart. The 7-foot-1 center ranks impressively in college basketball history for field goal percentage, a testament to his refined post moves and decision-making abilities rather than mere physical advantage.
This sparks a conversation about how often tall players fail to capitalize on mismatches due to a lack of skill or physicality — a common issue that Kalkbrenner clearly avoids, given his ability to finish plays consistently against smaller defenders.
Strategic Adjustments with Key Players
A wildcard in Creighton’s roster could be potential newcomer Fedor Žugić, whose eligibility status remains uncertain. Should he join the lineup, Žugić could elevate the team’s scoring potential even further. Benning and Lulla speculate that Žugić would seamlessly fit as either a top scorer or a complementary option alongside Kalkbrenner, bringing a new dimension to Creighton’s offense.
They also highlight freshman guard Ty Davis, whose minutes showcase trust from the coaches due to his versatility in both guard positions. While Davis is still adjusting to college-level competition, Benning believes Creighton’s backcourt rotation can benefit significantly from his contributions, given that he develops further throughout the season.
A Long-Term Approach for Big East Success
While Creighton’s roster and playing style bring high expectations, Benning and Lulla remained cautiously optimistic, recognizing that the team’s success will rely on Coach McDermott’s ability to adapt his lineup as the season progresses. They predict that if opposing teams consistently challenge Kalkbrenner in the post, Creighton men’s basketball might shift strategies, allowing additional scorers like Steven Ashworth and potentially Žugić to take on larger roles.
