Creighton's Kalkbrenner Receives Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award

Apr 6, 2025 / Creighton Athletics

Photo Credit: Creighton Athletics

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Creighton senior Ryan Kalkbrenner has been named 2025 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year presented by MOLECULE! Kalkbrenner was on hand in San Antonio to pick up the award, which was announced at the 2025 Naismith Awards Brunch and organized by the Atlanta Tipoff Club.

It's his second National Defensive Player of the Year award this week, having also being named the recipient of the NABC's Defensive Player of the Year award on Tuesday.

"It is a huge honor to be named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and I am most appreciative to my teammates, coaches and the Atlanta Tipoff Club for recognizing our success," said Kalkbrenner.

A 7-foot-1 center from Florissant, Mo., Kalkbrenner led the BIG EAST in blocked shots per game (2.7), rebounds per game (8.7) and field goal percentage (.653) while ranking third with 19.2 points per contest. The two-time All-BIG EAST First Team honoree ranks second nationally in field goals made, third in blocked shots, fourth in field goal percentage, and 19th in points. He ranks second in Creighton history in blocked shots (399), points (2,443), rebounds (1,146) and field goal percentage (.658). 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. Kalkbrenner was named the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year yesterday and was one of 10 finalists for the Naismith Trophy.

Creighton finished the 2024-25 season with a 25-11 record and is one of four programs nationally to have won an NCAA Tournament game each of the last five seasons.

"MOLECULE is thrilled to congratulate Ryan Kalkbrenner on an extraordinary season that has earned him this prestigious honor," said Kevin Blossom, SVP and General Manager of MOLECULE. "Ryan's dominance on the court reflects his unparalleled dedication and excellence. His record-breaking achievements speak volumes, and we are proud to celebrate his remarkable impact with this award."

Duke's Cooper Flagg won the 2025 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy, honoring him as the most outstanding men's college basketball player. He becomes the first men's player in the history of the award to win the award as a freshman after winning the Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy in high school the previous season. Flagg won the award over finalists Auburn senior center Johni Broome, Florida senior guard Walter Clayton, Jr. and Braden Smith, a junior guard from Purdue.

Rick Pitino of St. John's was named the 2025 Werner Ladder Men's Coach of the Year. He is the eighth coach from the BIG EAST to win the trophy and the third in the last four years following Dan Hurley from UConn last year and Ed Cooley (2022, Providence). The other 2025 finalists were Auburn's Bruce Pearl, Houston's Kelvin Sampson and Duke's Jon Scheyer.

"With Cooper's unmatched skill, Rick's steadfast leadership, and Ryan's tireless defensive excellence, each of them truly deserves this year's Naismith awards," said Eric Oberman, President of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. "Their remarkable accomplishments on the court and the sideline throughout the season have earned them the highest honors in college basketball. We are proud to celebrate their unwavering dedication and extraordinary talent."