Creighton Basketball 2020-2021

Linkin5 · Post by **Linkin5** » Wed Mar 31, 2021 9:34 pm

Uh oh

MadMartin8 · Post by **MadMartin8** » Wed Mar 31, 2021 10:04 pm

Christian is heading elsewhere. Sucks for sure, but not unexpected to me to be honest. I figured he would leave and I think one more will do so as well. Will be a rebuilding few years, and we'll see if Mac can recover. Probably the greatest test of his career, it'll be a wild ride.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Mar 31, 2021 10:10 pm

MadMartin8 wrote: Wed Mar 31, 2021 10:04 pm
Christian is heading elsewhere. Sucks for sure, but not unexpected to me to be honest. I figured he would leave and I think one more will do so as well. Will be a rebuilding few years, and we'll see if Mac can recover. Probably the greatest test of his career, it'll be a wild ride.

Yeah, no surprise at all..

I’m prepared to see very few familiar faces when the Jays saddle up for the 2021/2022 season..

This is why I’ve been telling my fellow Jays fans to enjoy the Sweet 16 ride we had this year, because it may be several seasons before we get back to that level...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

MadMartin8 · Post by **MadMartin8** » Wed Mar 31, 2021 10:18 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Mar 31, 2021 10:10 pm
MadMartin8 wrote: Wed Mar 31, 2021 10:04 pm
Christian is heading elsewhere. Sucks for sure, but not unexpected to me to be honest. I figured he would leave and I think one more will do so as well. Will be a rebuilding few years, and we'll see if Mac can recover. Probably the greatest test of his career, it'll be a wild ride.
Yeah, no surprise at all..

I’m prepared to see very few familiar faces when the Jays saddle up for the 2021/2022 season..

This is why I’ve been telling my fellow Jays fans to enjoy the Sweet 16 ride we had this year, because it may be several seasons before we get back to that level...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Absolutely. That said, it's not like the recruits that exist from this class and those of the previous class (if they all stick around) are slouches. The cupboard isn't empty. Not exactly full, but not empty.

It's really going to come down to one thing; Mac is going to need to demonstrate he learned his lesson from this year to be able to recruit again. It will always stick around him, but he can mitigate things if he commits to doing so. If he can't, and I think we'll know and have our answer how recruiting goes next year, then it'll probably be time for Creighton to move on. If it comes to it though I feel much better about finding a replacement being in the Big East than I would if we were still in the MVC.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Mar 31, 2021 10:31 pm

MadMartin8 wrote: Wed Mar 31, 2021 10:18 pm
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Mar 31, 2021 10:10 pm
MadMartin8 wrote: Wed Mar 31, 2021 10:04 pm
Christian is heading elsewhere. Sucks for sure, but not unexpected to me to be honest. I figured he would leave and I think one more will do so as well. Will be a rebuilding few years, and we'll see if Mac can recover. Probably the greatest test of his career, it'll be a wild ride.
Yeah, no surprise at all..

I’m prepared to see very few familiar faces when the Jays saddle up for the 2021/2022 season..

This is why I’ve been telling my fellow Jays fans to enjoy the Sweet 16 ride we had this year, because it may be several seasons before we get back to that level...

Ciao..LiO...Peace
Absolutely. That said, it's not like the recruits that exist from this class and those of the previous class (if they all stick around) are slouches. The cupboard isn't empty. Not exactly full, but not empty.

It's really going to come down to one thing; Mac is going to need to demonstrate he learned his lesson from this year to be able to recruit again. It will always stick around him, but he can mitigate things if he commits to doing so. If he can't, and I think we'll know and have our answer how recruiting goes next year, then it'll probably be time for Creighton to move on. If it comes to it though I feel much better about finding a replacement being in the Big East than I would if we were still in the MVC.

Agreed.. The key is “if”. I alluded in a post after the Gonzaga loss that there is talent coming back and talent coming in..that said, with the blizzard of kids entering the transfer portal, it likely means the Jays will lose more on the current returning roster..and probably a bit from the potential recruiting class..Mac’s Feb 27th post game debacle will definitely fuel his future at Creighton University-

One way or the other...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Mar 31, 2021 10:43 pm

For a sign of hope, check this video out of Jays point guard recruit Ryan Nembhard. This kid can ball! His brother, Andrew, plays for (likely National Champion) Gonzaga..

Ciao..LiO...Peace

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 8:39 am

That sucks about Christian Bishop. I thought he might transfer, especially with everyone else leaving. I think in his case it is probably more about playing out of position than anything else. He is a 4 and has been playing center most of his time here. Credit to him for being able to go up against the opponents big guys. I really liked what he provided in stretching teams out and making them go smaller. I feel that he still needs to work on being a little more under control and of course FT shooting.

If Mason Miller stands firm on his commitment he should be a nice "4" guy for us. Hopefully Ryan Kalkbrenner can add some muscle and pick up his game a little. He has great potential.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 8:51 am

I was thinking the same, if Kalkbrenner steps his game up...

MadMartin8 · Post by **MadMartin8** » Thu Apr 01, 2021 10:20 am

Like I stated earlier, the cupboard is absolutely not bare. I think we have three great incoming kids, and I think if Kalk continues to improve and Rati as well as Modestas come back from their injuries strong... there is a decent core group of talented, but inexperienced players there. If Shereef stays, we'll have another strong player in him as well.

If Creighton could secure a strong transfer (which with how many kids are in the market right now...), or maybe continue to look towards strong international players, I think next season could still be a good one.

MadMartin8 · Post by **MadMartin8** » Fri Apr 02, 2021 8:21 am

skinzfan23 wrote: Thu Apr 01, 2021 8:39 am That sucks about Christian Bishop. I thought he might transfer, especially with everyone else leaving. I think in his case it is probably more about playing out of position than anything else. He is a 4 and has been playing center most of his time here. Credit to him for being able to go up against the opponents big guys. I really liked what he provided in stretching teams out and making them go smaller. I feel that he still needs to work on being a little more under control and of course FT shooting.

Per Tweets from his dad (engaging Creighton fans who are saying bad things about Christian unfortunately...), it appears that this is correct thankfully which makes me feel a bit better about the future. His father is stating that the position he was playing is the biggest issue...which makes me even more confused as to why McDermott wouldn't at least explore letting Christian play a position he feels more fits him given all that we lose this year.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Apr 02, 2021 10:24 am

MadMartin8 wrote: Fri Apr 02, 2021 8:21 am
skinzfan23 wrote: Thu Apr 01, 2021 8:39 am That sucks about Christian Bishop. I thought he might transfer, especially with everyone else leaving. I think in his case it is probably more about playing out of position than anything else. He is a 4 and has been playing center most of his time here. Credit to him for being able to go up against the opponents big guys. I really liked what he provided in stretching teams out and making them go smaller. I feel that he still needs to work on being a little more under control and of course FT shooting.
Per Tweets from his dad (engaging Creighton fans who are saying bad things about Christian unfortunately...), it appears that this is correct thankfully which makes me feel a bit better about the future. His father is stating that the position he was playing is the biggest issue...which makes me even more confused as to why McDermott wouldn't at least explore letting Christian play a position he feels more fits him given all that we lose this year.

I know most people are assuming it’s Mac’s comments that are driving Christian to this decision.. While that probably aided in his decision, I also believe playing out of position was a large factor.. With Ryan Kalkbrenner returning for his sophomore season, you’d think the Jays could have experimented with moving Bishop back to his natural 4 and Ryan playing the 5..Who knows if that concern was ever addressed post season though..

In the end, it’s just unfortunate to see Christian moving on with 2 more years of college eligibility..But I wish him the best...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Sat Apr 03, 2021 11:46 am

Porter Moser leaves Loyola Chicago to become Oklahoma's coach

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Sun Apr 04, 2021 1:02 pm

Good for Moser, that is a major step up. Loyola has been good but the Big 12 and the MVC are 2 totally different beasts.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Apr 05, 2021 1:13 pm

Creighton's Denzel Mahoney won't return for extra season

Creighton senior Denzel Mahoney does not plan to return for an additional season at CU and will look to begin his professional career.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Apr 05, 2021 1:31 pm

Yeah, I just saw that..

No surprise that Mahoney is choosing not to return to focus on a pro career. I don’t expect any of the starting 5 from last season to return...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Mon Apr 05, 2021 2:57 pm

Men's Basketball Part of Stacked Maui Jim Maui Invitational Field in 2022

Jim Maui Invitational announced today the 2022 field for the 39th annual Tournament. Arkansas, Arizona, Cincinnati, Creighton, Louisville, Ohio State, San Diego State and Texas Tech will convene Nov. 21-23, 2022, at the historic Lahaina Civic Center on the island of Maui.

MadMartin8 · Post by **MadMartin8** » Mon Apr 05, 2021 4:46 pm

Coyote wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 1:13 pm Creighton's Denzel Mahoney won't return for extra season

Creighton senior Denzel Mahoney does not plan to return for an additional season at CU and will look to begin his professional career.

I'm happy for him and hope he does really well wherever he lands, he's a hard nosed player I hope he gets at least a shot in the NBA.

Like Cowboy, I didn't (don't) expect any of the starters to return. It was a...tough, but good end to the year, and I think they'll move on. It'd be a huge rush if Marcus came back though....

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Apr 05, 2021 9:20 pm

MadMartin8 wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 4:46 pm Like Cowboy, I didn't (don't) expect any of the starters to return. It was a...tough, but good end to the year, and I think they'll move on. It'd be a huge rush if Marcus came back though....

If Z decides to come back, the entire Bluejay Nation would turn a massive succession of cartwheels..

The probability of that happenstance is probably less than 5% though...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Apr 06, 2021 12:57 pm

image.jpeg

Post by **Brad** » Tue Apr 06, 2021 1:14 pm

Looks like former CU Assistant Steve Lutz is getting a head coaching gig.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Apr 07, 2021 4:59 pm

The Jays finishing 14th in the final coaches poll is about where I’d rank them. Don’t know if I’d place Iowa at 13th as they were a high #2 seed and got knocked out by Oregon in the 2nd round.. But whatever..

Great season by the Jays and an end of an era. I don’t know if I can say enough how I will miss this team...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

MadMartin8 · Post by **MadMartin8** » Fri Apr 09, 2021 10:28 am

Paul Lusk is heading to Purdue (official) and rumors are Rencher is leaving for Oklahoma State (still rumor I think). Regardless of reason (Lusk going back to work with a Mentor and Rencher with ties to that area), the optics of that might not be the best.

Sincerely hope we don't lose any recruits/signees.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Sat Apr 10, 2021 10:57 am

Damien Jefferson is heading to the NBA draft....nothing surprising here.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Sat Apr 10, 2021 11:24 am

Former Iowa player Jack Nunge is headed to Xavier.

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 2:10 pm

Zegarowski announced he is entering the NBA draft.

MadMartin8 · Post by **MadMartin8** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 2:10 pm

As expected, Marcus declares for the NBA draft. Honestly, there really wasn't anything left for him to prove here and I don't think his stock was going to rise any further (outside of a crazy POY run).

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 2:19 pm

Coyote wrote: Tue Apr 13, 2021 2:10 pm Zegarowski announced he is entering the NBA draft.

Marcus Zegarowski turns pro, ends decorated Creighton basketball career

Zegarowski's Tuesday announcement made him the fourth member of Creighton's 2021 starting lineup to announce plans to leave the program.

Denzel Mahoney and Damien Jefferson both declared for the NBA draft. Christian Bishop is in the transfer portal. Mitch Ballock hasn't yet announced his plans — he's likely to turn pro, though seniors do have an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 2:54 pm

Congrats to Z...not unexpected at all. I think we were all wishing he would come back but knew it wasn't likely.

He has earned this.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Tue Apr 13, 2021 4:40 pm

Nick Zeil, the walk-on is entering the transfer portal in hopes of finding more playing time.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Apr 14, 2021 7:27 am

The only one left of this last year’s starting 5 (to announce future plans) is Mitch..

But I think there is less than a 5% chance of him returning to play for the Jays next year...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Wed Apr 14, 2021 8:48 am

Yes, it is crazy. The only players that are probably going to return with playing experience are going to be
Ryan Kalkbrenner
Shereef Mitchell
Alex O'Connell
Antwaan Jones

Coyote · Post by **Coyote** » Wed Apr 14, 2021 11:58 am

UNC basketball and Hubert Davis offer scholarship to Creighton transfer forward

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Wed Apr 14, 2021 12:39 pm

Wow, its crazy to think that Creighton is losing guys to Kentucky (Davian Mintz) and NC and gaining a player from Duke (Alex O'Connell).

The Big East has truly been game changing for the program to even be mentioned with those bluebloods.

Still wish Bishop would have stayed. He would have played as many min as he wanted next season while staying close to home, but I wish him luck and UNC.

MadMartin8 · Post by **MadMartin8** » Wed Apr 14, 2021 2:33 pm

If he wanted more playing time at a different position, that's a curious destination if he decides to go there. Best of luck to him, he was fantastic with his time at Creighton. I'm kind of curious on how the transfer conversation with McDermott went to be honest, and what McDermott had to really say about the position Bishop wanted to play.

As for losing kids to transfer/graduation.. just saw on the Creighton boards that Texas Tech, St. Johns, Minnesota, and a few others have had 8-9 kids transfer out (many due to coaching changes mind you, but still)? The portal is a mess.

Uffda · Post by **Uffda** » Thu Apr 15, 2021 11:40 am

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Apr 14, 2021 7:27 am The only one left of this last year’s starting 5 (to announce future plans) is Mitch..

But I think there is less than a 5% chance of him returning to play for the Jays next year...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Well looking at who was playing the most minutes over the past couple of years, the ‘cupboard being (almost) bare’ for next year isn’t really surprising. I think Bishop also looked at what he would have around him next year and decided this would be a good time to try somewhere else as either staying or going would be sort of starting all over.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Thu Apr 15, 2021 3:00 pm

Mitch Ballock signed with an NCAA certified agent...meaning there still is the possibility that he may come back.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Apr 15, 2021 8:21 pm

The W-H has reported Mitch opts out, will turn pro and is gone from the Jays for next season..

No surprise there. All 5 starters, as expected, gone..

From the W-H-

“Creighton senior Mitch Ballock confirmed Thursday that he's signed with an agent and will not return to the CU basketball program.

Ronnie Zeidel, of RZA Sports, will represent Ballock as the 6-foot-5 shooting guard looks to begin his professional career following four years of college ball with the Jays.

The decision affirms what's been expected for several days: Creighton will have an entirely new starting lineup next season.”..

The complete W-H story link:

https://omaha.com/sports/college/creigh ... fc813.html

Ciao..LiO...Peace

MadMartin8 · Post by **MadMartin8** » Thu Apr 15, 2021 8:32 pm

McDermott and Creighton have got to get some assistant coaches hired quickly to get back into trying to pull kids in from the Transfer Dumpster fire/portal.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Apr 15, 2021 9:04 pm

MadMartin8 wrote: Thu Apr 15, 2021 8:32 pm McDermott and Creighton have got to get some assistant coaches hired quickly to get back into trying to pull kids in from the Transfer Dumpster fire/portal.

Agreed..

While the Jays starting lineup turnover was pretty much expected, it doesn’t make the bleeding of this program any easier to take..The hiring of some quality assistants is mandatory and as soon as possible for sure...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Fri Apr 16, 2021 8:33 am

I 100% agree that hiring some assts is a must right now, but it kinda sucks to hear all the doom and gloom scenarios for the organization. They did just reach the Sweet 16 for the first time ever and as you mentioned, almost everyone expected all the starters to leave...Bishop was a surprise to leave, but we knew the team would be "starting over". I think in the long run they will be fine, it may take a few years but they will be fine.