Ryan Kalkbrenner

Draft Notes

Ryan Kalkbrenner was one of the best shot blockers in college basketball over the past few years and is a defensive anchor type of big man.

Has decent mobility but might not have the speed, agility and ability to guard in space for the NBA level. Adding more strength will be a priority.

Has a nice touch around the rim and from mid range plus a bit of floor spacing ability. He plays with his head up and has a good understanding of the game. Makes good reads off the short roll and does a good job of passing out of the post.

Seems like the type of player who will be able to come in and help a team out with some back-up big minutes early in his career. He probably doesn’t have star upside but projects as a solid rotation player.

Comparisons

• Kosta Koufos

Draft Projection

late first to early second round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft

2025 Center Rankings

1. Khamam Maluach – 7-2 – Duke (South Sudan)
2. Derik Queen – 6-10 – Maryland
3. Thomas Sorber – 6-11 – Georgetown
4. Joan Beringer – 7-0 – France
5. Danny Wolf – 7-0 – Michigan
6. Hansen Yang – 7-1 – China
7. Ryan Kalkbrenner – 7-2 – Creighton
8. Maxime Raynaud – 7-1 – Stanford (France)
9. Yanic Konan Niederhauser – 7-0 – Penn State (Switzerland)
10. Rocco Zikarsky – 7-3 – Australia
11. Amari Williams – 7-0 – Kentucky (England)
12. Lacklan Olbrich – 6-10 – Illawarra Hawks, NBL
13. Vladislav Goldin – 7-1 – Michigan (Russia)
14. Viktor Lakhin – 6-11 – Clemson (Russia)
15. Dylan Caldwell – 6-11 – Auburn
16. Clifford Omoruyi – 6-11 – Alabama (Nigeria) 
17. Jonas Aidoo – 6-11 – Arkansas
18. Braxton Meah – 7-1 – Nebraska
19. Hunter Dickinson – 7-1 – Kansas
20. Oumar Ballo – 6-10 – Indiana (Mali)