Last Updated on March 17, 2025 by Mathew Diekhake

The Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball program has a rich history filled with legendary players who have made significant contributions to the team and beyond. Below are some of the most notable Creighton Bluejays basketball legends:

1. Doug McDermott (2010–2014)

  • Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
  • Height: 6’7”
  • Accolades:
    • 2014 Naismith College Player of the Year
    • Three-time Consensus First-Team All-American (2012, 2013, 2014)
    • No. 5 All-Time Leading Scorer in NCAA Division I history (3,150 points)
    • Led Creighton to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances
    • No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft (Chicago Bulls)

2. Paul Silas (1961–1964)

  • Position: Power Forward
  • Height: 6’7”
  • Accolades:
    • Two-time All-American (1963, 1964)
    • Holds the Creighton record for most career rebounds (1,751)
    • Averaged 20.5 rebounds per game in his senior year
    • Played 16 seasons in the NBA (Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, Seattle SuperSonics)
    • Three-time NBA Champion
    • Later became an NBA head coach (Hornets, Cavaliers)

3. Benoit Benjamin (1982–1985)

  • Position: Center
  • Height: 7’0”
  • Accolades:
    • Creighton’s all-time leader in blocked shots
    • Averaged 20.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 4.6 blocks in his final season
    • No. 3 overall pick in the 1985 NBA Draft (Los Angeles Clippers)
    • Played 15 seasons in the NBA for multiple teams

4. Kyle Korver (1999–2003)

  • Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
  • Height: 6’7”
  • Accolades:
    • 2003 Second-Team All-American
    • One of the best three-point shooters in college history
    • Led Creighton to four straight NCAA Tournaments
    • Drafted in the 2003 NBA Draft (No. 51 overall, New Jersey Nets)
    • Played 17 seasons in the NBA, ranking among the top all-time in three-point shooting percentage
    • 2015 NBA All-Star

5. Bob Portman (1966–1969)

  • Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
  • Height: 6’5”
  • Accolades:
    • Creighton’s all-time leader in career points per game (24.7)
    • Averaged 30.8 PPG in the 1967–68 season
    • First-round pick in the 1969 NBA Draft (Golden State Warriors)

6. Rodney Buford (1995–1999)

  • Position: Shooting Guard
  • Height: 6’5”
  • Accolades:
    • Creighton’s all-time leading scorer (2,116 points)
    • Led Creighton to two NCAA Tournament appearances
    • Drafted by the Miami Heat in 1999
    • Played in the NBA and overseas

7. Chad Gallagher (1987–1991)

  • Position: Center
  • Height: 6’10”
  • Accolades:
    • 1991 MVC Player of the Year
    • Led Creighton to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances
    • Played professionally in Europe and the CBA

8. Ryan Kalkbrenner (2020–Present)

  • Position: Center
  • Height: 7’1”
  • Accolades:
    • Two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year
    • Led Creighton to Elite Eight (2023 NCAA Tournament)
    • Projected NBA prospect

These players helped shape Creighton Bluejays basketball into a nationally recognized program.