2023 March Madness 10 best players by region: South

5. Ryan Kalkbrenner, C, Creighton

One of the biggest players in the South region, literally, the 7-foot-1 Kalkbrenner has been a force for Creighton this season, especially on the defensive end. The junior center earned his second consecutive Big East Defensive Player of the Year award after he led the conference with 2.2 blocks per game, good for No. 18 in the nation. Though known for being a defensive presence for the Bluejays, Kalkbrenner has also proven to be a strong offensive threat as well, averaging 15.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists this season.

A first-team All-Big East performer, Kalkbrenner has shown one of the nation’s toughest conferences just how disruptive he can be. Now the 7-footer will look to leave his mark in the tournament as his six-seed Creighton team looks to make a March run.

GET UP RYAN KALKBRENNER!!!!#GoJays pic.twitter.com/UFzqAAjbpP

— Creighton Men’s Basketball (@BluejayMBB) February 11, 2023