Creighton men's basketball season preview 2024-25: 3 biggest games, key players to watch, predictions and more

As key players from their 2023-24 roster declared for the draft, the Creighton Bluejays were forced to embark on a rebuild. Moreover, three other players exited the transfer portal. Nevertheless, coach Greg McDermott has thrust the program to four consecutive appearances at the NCAA tournament: two Sweet 16 and an Elite Eight stint.

Now, as their three-time conference defensive player of the year, Ryan Kalkbrenner, joins the program for another season through early withdrawal from the 2024 NBA draft pipeline, let’s look at the top games the Jays will want him at his best.

Creighton men's basketball season preview 2024-25: 3 biggest games, key players to watch, predictions and more

Creighton's 3 biggest games in 2024-25 season

The Bluejays are the final team slated for the NCAA men's Players Era NIL tournament in the coming year. The tournament will occur in Las Vegas and commence during Thanksgiving. It will be an opportunity for the Jays players as nearly $1 million payouts as NIL will be on the line.

The last leg of the 2-year home and home series with Alabama Crimson Tide will be another caliber testing game for the Bluejays. Last year, a missed shot from Mark Sears avoided OT and handed Creighton a close 85-82 win. As Nate Oats looks to even the series, McDermott will have a perfect chance to assess the potential of his new roster at Coleman Coliseum on December 14.

On December 4, Kansas will visit the Jays for the Big East Battle. The Jayhawks have a winning record against the Bluejays with an 11-6 record. It could be the program’s biggest test this year as the only time the Bluejays missed the Sweet 16 in recent years was a March 2022 second-round loss to Bil Self.

Key Creighton players to watch out for in the 2024-25 season

Ryan Kalkbrenner chose to bank on the extra year the COVID-19 extension ensures for college players. With that, the Jays immediately shoot high into one of the best frontcourt defenses in college basketball. Moreover, Kalkbrenner’s offensive development will also shoot his individual stock high this season, potentially making him an All-American.

Starter Steven Ashworth will also play his final year at the university. Even though his scoring dipped from 16.2 ppg to 11.1 ppg last season, he has taken on more leadership burden and could see catching up with his season-best scores this year.

Creighton predictions for the 2024-25 season

McDermott is developing a reputation to rank among the best teams in the stacked Big East conference. That will be the benchmark for the Bluejays this season, to do what UConn does.

Expect the Bluejays to commit to playing around final-year defensive anchor Ryan Kalkbrenner. With promising new additions, Creighton has already become one of the best teams in the conference. If they manage to mount a successful non-conference tenure, they can be seen making a deep playoff run.