Top 12 Best Creighton Basketball Players

#12: Greg McDermott (2010 – Present)

• Position: Head Coach
• Height/Weight: N/A

Greg McDermott, while not a player, has made a significant impact on Creighton basketball as the head coach. Hired in 2010, McDermott transformed the Bluejays into a competitive force in both the Missouri Valley Conference and the Big East. 

Under his leadership, Creighton has made several NCAA Tournament appearances, including a memorable Sweet 16 run in 2021. McDermott’s coaching philosophy emphasizes a high-octane offense and strong team cohesion, earning him multiple Coach of the Year awards and solidifying his legacy at Creighton.

#11: Josh Dotzler (2005-2009)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 180 lbs

Josh Dotzler was a key player for Creighton during his collegiate career, known for his defensive prowess and leadership on the court. Dotzler was an adept floor general who consistently made his teammates better with his playmaking ability. 

He ranks among the school’s all-time leaders in assists and steals. Dotzler’s tenacity on defense earned him a spot on the Missouri Valley Conference All-Defensive Team multiple times, and his leadership helped guide the Bluejays to multiple postseason appearances.

#10: Ryan Sears (1997-2001)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 175 lbs

Ryan Sears was a standout point guard for the Bluejays, known for his excellent court vision, scoring ability, and leadership. Sears played a crucial role in Creighton’s success during his tenure, helping the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. 

He ranks among the program’s all-time leaders in assists, steals, and three-point field goals. Sears’ clutch performances and consistent play made him a fan favorite and a key contributor to Creighton’s late 1990s and early 2000s success.

#9: Bob Portman (1966-1969)

• Position: Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 200 lbs

Bob Portman is one of the most prolific scorers in Creighton history. During his collegiate career, Portman averaged 24.7 points per game, which still ranks among the best in school history. 

He was a two-time All-American and led the Bluejays to the NIT in 1967 and 1969. Portman’s scoring ability and rebounding prowess made him a dominant force in the Missouri Valley Conference. His outstanding play earned him a spot in the Creighton Hall of Fame.

#8: Chad Gallagher (1987-1991)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 6’10”, 235 lbs

Chad Gallagher was a dominant center for the Bluejays, known for his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities. Gallagher ranks among Creighton’s all-time leaders in points and rebounds. 

He was named Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year in 1991 and led the Bluejays to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Gallagher’s presence in the paint and his leadership on the court were instrumental in Creighton’s success during his time with the team.

#7: Anthony Tolliver (2003-2007)

• Position: Power Forward / Center
• Height/Weight: 6’8″, 240 lbs

Anthony Tolliver was a versatile and impactful player for Creighton, known for his scoring, rebounding, and defensive abilities. Tolliver helped lead the Bluejays to multiple postseason appearances, including the NCAA Tournament. 

He earned All-Missouri Valley Conference honors and was known for his work ethic and leadership. Tolliver went on to have a lengthy professional career in the NBA, where he was valued for his versatility and team-first mentality.

#6: Benoit Benjamin (1982-1985)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’0″, 250 lbs

Benoit Benjamin was a dominant force in the paint for Creighton, known for his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities. Benjamin was a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection and helped lead the Bluejays to an NCAA Tournament appearance. 

He ranks among the school’s all-time leaders in blocks and rebounds. Benjamin’s imposing presence on both ends of the court made him a standout player during his collegiate career. This dominance led to a successful 15-year professional career in the NBA, where he played from 1985 to 2000 for various teams, showcasing his skills as a reliable center.

#5: Bob Gibson (1954-1957)

• Position: Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 185 lbs

While Bob Gibson is best known for his Hall of Fame baseball career, he was also an exceptional basketball player at Creighton. Gibson was a standout guard, known for his scoring and defensive abilities. He averaged 20.2 points per game during his senior season and was an All-Missouri Valley Conference selection. 

Despite his success on the basketball court, Gibson opted to play baseball instead of professional basketball, signing with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1957. However, he was also drafted by the Harlem Globetrotters. 

Gibson went on to become one of the greatest pitchers of all time, highlighting his athleticism and competitive spirit. His contributions to Creighton basketball are still remembered today.

#4: Rodney Buford (1995-1999)

• Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 190 lbs

Rodney Buford was a prolific scorer for Creighton, known for his athleticism and ability to score from anywhere on the court. Buford finished his career as Creighton’s all-time leading scorer with 2,116 points. He was a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference selection and led the Bluejays to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Buford’s scoring prowess and versatility made him one of the best players in Creighton history.

Buford was selected in the second round of the 1999 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat. Over his NBA career, he played for several teams, including the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and New Jersey Nets. Buford also had a successful international career, playing in various countries and continuing to showcase his scoring ability.

#3: Kyle Korver (1999-2003)

• Position: Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 212 lbs

Kyle Korver is one of the best shooters in Creighton history. Known for his deadly accuracy from three-point range, Korver was a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and a two-time All-American. He led Creighton to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a memorable first-round upset of Florida in 2002.

Korver finished his career as Creighton’s all-time leader in three-pointers made.
Korver was selected 51st overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 2003 NBA Draft and was immediately traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Over his 17-year NBA career, Korver became one of the league’s most prolific three-point shooters. He was named an NBA All-Star in 2015 while playing for the Atlanta Hawks. Korver set the NBA record for the highest three-point shooting percentage in a single season (53.6%) in the 2009-2010 season.

He also holds the record for the most consecutive games with a made three-pointer, with 127 games. Korver’s exceptional shooting ability and longevity in the league have cemented his reputation as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

#2: Paul Silas (1961-1964)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 220 lbs

Paul Silas was a dominant force for Creighton, known for his rebounding and defensive abilities. Silas averaged an astounding 21.6 rebounds per game during his collegiate career, which remains one of the best marks in NCAA history. He was a two-time All-American and led Creighton to the NCAA Tournament. 

Silas’s toughness and tenacity on the boards made him a standout player during his time with the Bluejays.

He was selected 12th overall by the St. Louis Hawks in the 1964 NBA Draft. Over his 16-year NBA career, Silas won three NBA championships: two with the Boston Celtics in 1974 and 1976, and one with the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979. Silas was a two-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-Defensive Team selection. 

Silas transitioned into coaching after his playing career, serving as head coach for the San Diego Clippers, Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He was known for his ability to develop young talent and his leadership on and off the court.

#1: Doug McDermott (2010-2014)

• Position: Small Forward / Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 225 lbs

Doug McDermott is widely regarded as the best player in Creighton basketball history. McDermott scored 3,150 points during his collegiate career, ranking him among the top scorers in NCAA history. He was a three-time All-American and won the National Player of the Year award in 2014. 

McDermott led Creighton to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and helped transition the program into the Big East Conference. 

Known for his scoring ability, versatility, and basketball IQ, McDermott’s impact on Creighton basketball is unmatched. McDermott was selected 11th overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets but was traded to the Chicago Bulls on draft night. 

Over his NBA career, he has played for several teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, and San Antonio Spurs. McDermott is known for his three-point shooting and scoring off the bench. His professional career has been marked by his consistent ability to contribute valuable minutes and points, making him a reliable player in the league.