The Creighton Bluejays, once anchored by the formidable Ryan Kalkbrenner, now face a new challenge as they prepare to take on Gonzaga in the upcoming season. With Kalkbrenner's departure to the NBA, the Bluejays must adapt and find their new defensive anchor. This season marks a significant shift for the team, as they embrace a new era without their long-time star player.
Creighton's upcoming game against Gonzaga on November 11th at the McCarthey Athletic Center is a highly anticipated event. It will be the third game of the season for Gonzaga, following matches against Texas Southern and Oklahoma, and Creighton's second game after a home game against South Dakota. The two teams have a history of intense matchups, with Gonzaga holding the upper hand in recent years.
The Bluejays and Zags have shared a unique bond, with players transferring between the teams. Grant Gibbs and Ryan Nembhard are notable examples, both contributing significantly to their respective programs. Now, Creighton introduces a fresh lineup, featuring a mix of nine newcomers and seven returning players, ready to take on the challenges of the 2025-26 season.
Creighton's starting lineup includes Nik Graves at point guard, Josh Dix at shooting guard, Blake Harper at small forward, Jackson McAndrew at power forward, and Owen Freeman at center. Owen Freeman, a key transfer from Iowa, averaged impressive stats and will be a formidable opponent for Gonzaga's bigs. Joining him is Jackson McAndrew, a breakout candidate and the team's leading scorer among returners.
The rest of the projected starting lineup consists of transfer portal additions: Blake Harper, Nik Graves, and Josh Dix. Harper and Graves, in particular, are known for their scoring abilities, with Harper averaging nearly 20 points per game and Graves contributing 17.5 points in the American Conference. Dix, a sharpshooter, poses a significant challenge for Gonzaga's defense, having scored 14.4 points with an impressive 42.2% three-point shooting percentage.
Creighton's depth is further strengthened by key returners like Fedor Zugic, Jasen Green, and Ty Davis, who are expected to contribute significantly. Additionally, transfers Austin Swartz and Liam McChesney will provide support. The team also welcomes top-ranked freshmen like Hudson Greer, a 6'6 wing, and international signees Kerem Konan and Aleksa Dimitrijevic, adding size and depth to the frontcourt.
Despite the changes, Creighton remains a competitive force, having reached the NCAA Tournament as a single-digit seed in the past five years. They will compete for a top seed in the Big East alongside UConn, Saint John's, and Marquette. The upcoming game against Gonzaga will be a crucial test for both teams early in the season, offering local fans an exciting opportunity to witness a likely top-25 team in action.
