Ryan Kreager
Loyola
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Scout Report
When a 6-10 big man from small-town Minnesota commits to Loyola this early in the process, it raises eyebrows around recruiting circles. Ryan Kreager's pledge to the Ramblers suggests Porter Moser's staff sees something others might be sleeping on.
Background
Faribault, Minnesota isn't exactly a basketball hotbed, but Kreager has been making his presence felt for the Falcons in the competitive Big 9 Conference. Growing up in a town of about 23,000, he's had to work harder than most to get noticed by college scouts. The 2026 big man chose development over immediate exposure, sticking with his high school team rather than chasing the AAU circuit full-time. His early commitment to Loyola shows he values relationships and fit over waiting for bigger names to come calling.
Playing Style
Kreager plays with the patience you want from a true center, rarely forcing shots or making rushed decisions in the post. He understands positioning better than most high school bigs, consistently sealing defenders and working for good looks around the rim. His footwork is surprisingly polished for someone his age, showing soft hands and the ability to finish through contact. Defensively, he anchors the paint without gambling for flashy blocks, focusing instead on altering shots and controlling the defensive glass. He's not going to run the floor like a gazelle, but he gets up and down adequately and doesn't hurt his team in transition. The kid processes the game at a mature level, making the right read when double teams come and finding cutters from the high post.
Strengths
Kreager's size and basketball IQ are his calling cards right now. He's got legitimate college-ready height at 6-10 and uses every inch of it around the basket. His touch around the rim is soft, and he's developed a reliable hook shot that's tough to defend given his wingspan. What really separates him is his court awareness - he sees the floor well for a big man and doesn't panic under pressure.
Areas to Watch
Adding strength will be crucial as he prepares for the physicality of college basketball. His lateral quickness on defense could improve, especially when switching onto smaller players in pick-and-roll situations. Developing a consistent mid-range jumper would make him much harder to defend and open up his post game even more.
Player Comparison
He reminds me of a young Cameron Krutwig from Loyola's Final Four run - similar size, basketball IQ, and that old-school center approach to the game. Krutwig wasn't the most athletic big man, but he maximized his skills and became a college star. Kreager has that same fundamental approach and understanding of how to play his position effectively.
Recruitment
His commitment to Loyola came relatively early in his recruitment, which suggests the Ramblers prioritized him and sold him on their development program. Porter Moser's staff has a track record of maximizing big men, and they clearly see potential in Kreager that fits their system. Being ranked 202nd nationally means he's flying under the radar compared to flashier prospects, but Loyola has built their program on finding these types of players. The early commitment gives him time to focus on development rather than the recruiting circus.
Projection
In college, Kreager projects as a classic back-to-the-basket center who can anchor a defense and provide consistent scoring in the paint. He's got the size and skills to be a four-year contributor, potentially earning significant minutes by his sophomore season. Professional basketball might be a stretch unless he adds considerable athleticism, but he's built for a successful college career and could have overseas opportunities down the line.
Updated Apr 14, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team