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Kalkbrenner Named A Finalist For 2025 Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year
3/21/2025 11:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Senior is a finalist for third straight campaign
LEXINGTON, Ky. -- For the third straight season, Creighton center Ryan Kalkbrenner is one of four finalists for the Naismith Trophy Men's Defensive Player of the Year award, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced on Friday.
The Naismith Award for Men's Defensive Player of the Year has been presented annually since 2018 to the most outstanding men's defensive basketball player who achieves tremendous on-court success. The 2025 Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year announcement will take place on Sunday, April 6, at the Naismith Awards Brunch at the Final Four.
2025 Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year Finalists
A 7-foot-1 center from Florissant, Mo., Kalkbrenner leads the BIG EAST in blocked shots per game (2.7), rebounds per game (8.7) and field goal percentage (.657) while ranking second with 19.2 points per contest. The two-time All-BIG EAST First Team honoree ranks third nationally in blocked shots, fourth in field goal percentage, second in field goals made and 19th in points. He ranks second in Creighton history in blocked shots (399), points (2,425), rebounds (1,139) and field goal percentage (.657). Kalkbrenner is one of five finalists for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award given to the nation's best center, one of 10 finalists for the Naismith Trophy and one of 15 players on the Wooden Award ballot. A unanimous First Team All-BIG EAST pick, Kalkbrenner also joined Patrick Ewing as the second four-time winner of the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year award.
The current season has underscored the exceptional defensive prowess of these finalists," said Eric Oberman, president of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. "With their outstanding achievements on the court, these players set the standard for defensive excellence in college basketball, making the selection process daunting for our voters."
This year, fans will have a say in determining the winner through the Naismith Awards Fan Vote presented by Jersey Mike's.  Starting March 25, fans can visit www.naismithfanvote.com or on X (@naismithtrophy) to cast their ballot for one of these four finalists for the 2025 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year presented by MOLECULE. Voting ends at 12 p.m. EDT on April 1, and fans are limited to one vote per day. The fan vote will account for 5% of the total vote.
"MOLECULE is honored to recognize the exceptional defensive prowess of these talented players," said Kevin Blossom, SVP and General Manager of MOLECULE. "Their defensive excellence is a testament to their dedication, and we look forward to seeing their continued impact in the future for their teams."
Creighton (25-10) returns to the court on Saturday when it takes on fourth-ranked Auburn.
The Naismith Award for Men's Defensive Player of the Year has been presented annually since 2018 to the most outstanding men's defensive basketball player who achieves tremendous on-court success. The 2025 Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year announcement will take place on Sunday, April 6, at the Naismith Awards Brunch at the Final Four.
2025 Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year Finalists
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A 7-foot-1 center from Florissant, Mo., Kalkbrenner leads the BIG EAST in blocked shots per game (2.7), rebounds per game (8.7) and field goal percentage (.657) while ranking second with 19.2 points per contest. The two-time All-BIG EAST First Team honoree ranks third nationally in blocked shots, fourth in field goal percentage, second in field goals made and 19th in points. He ranks second in Creighton history in blocked shots (399), points (2,425), rebounds (1,139) and field goal percentage (.657). Kalkbrenner is one of five finalists for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award given to the nation's best center, one of 10 finalists for the Naismith Trophy and one of 15 players on the Wooden Award ballot. A unanimous First Team All-BIG EAST pick, Kalkbrenner also joined Patrick Ewing as the second four-time winner of the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year award.
The current season has underscored the exceptional defensive prowess of these finalists," said Eric Oberman, president of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. "With their outstanding achievements on the court, these players set the standard for defensive excellence in college basketball, making the selection process daunting for our voters."
This year, fans will have a say in determining the winner through the Naismith Awards Fan Vote presented by Jersey Mike's.  Starting March 25, fans can visit www.naismithfanvote.com or on X (@naismithtrophy) to cast their ballot for one of these four finalists for the 2025 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year presented by MOLECULE. Voting ends at 12 p.m. EDT on April 1, and fans are limited to one vote per day. The fan vote will account for 5% of the total vote.
"MOLECULE is honored to recognize the exceptional defensive prowess of these talented players," said Kevin Blossom, SVP and General Manager of MOLECULE. "Their defensive excellence is a testament to their dedication, and we look forward to seeing their continued impact in the future for their teams."
Creighton (25-10) returns to the court on Saturday when it takes on fourth-ranked Auburn.
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