After a successful year in 2022-23, the Creighton Bluejays prime themselves for another successful season in 2023-24. They received talented players in the transfer portal and had some key contributors return. This is why the Bluejays place third in the Big East ranking series.
Big East Rankings: #3 Creighton Bluejays
Projected Starting 5
PG- Steven Ashworth
SG- Trey Alexander
PF- Isaac Traudt
Where the Bluejays Found Success
Three-Point Shooting
In an era of basketball where shooting is one of the more important aspects, Creighton shot the three very effectively. Shooting 37.6% during Big East play, Creighton had good offensive spacing. Being second in the conference in three-point shooting percentage makes them a hard team to beat. More importantly, Scheierman and Alexander shot the three well last season and took a good amount of attempts. Spacing is essential for a rolling big man like Kalkbrenner, who demands attention in the paint.
Defense
Creighton’s biggest success was their stifling defense. They were second in defense during conference play and first in opponent three-point shooting percentage. Within Big East play, their defense started to come through after a rough non-conference stint. Kalkbrenner is one of the best defensive bigs in the country, and he missed a good portion of the season with an injury. When he played, Creighton was a dominant defensive team. Their ability to defend the paint and three are needed even more this season in a new and improved Big East.
Why Do They Rank Above Villanova?
Greg McDermott
Greg McDermott gives the Bluejays an advantage over Villanova because of his proven tenure in Omaha, Nebraska. McDermott just helped Creighton get to an Elite 8 finish in 2022-23 and built a successful program in his time as head coach. He knows this group, how to be successful, and how to win. McDermott is a winner (300-150 at Creighton) and is trusted to produce success. With Villanova, this is a year of proving that Kyle Neptune was the right choice. On the other hand, Creighton has a successful coach in McDermott, giving them the edge.
Experience
Alexander, Kalkbrenner, and Scheierman all played together last season. This trio helped facilitate an Elite 8 run in the NCAA Tournament. They understand how to build success and win close games. More importantly, this group faces adversity as they lost seven games in a row last season. Furthermore, despite their setbacks, they banded together and finished third in the Big East. Experience matters because chemistry builds with experienced players. Compared to Villanova, who has three players coming into their starting lineup from the transfer portal, Creighton has three key contributors returning to their starting lineup.
Why They Are Outside of the Top 2
Question Mark at Power Forward
Compared to the other teams in the Big East, the Bluejays have a question mark surrounding their power-forward spot. Traudt will start at that position but has yet to prove much in his college career. The teams above Creighton have the production or are just more talented. Creighton needs Traudt’s production to be good this season. The lack of success from Traudt in the past does not give confidence that Creighton is better than the other teams ranked ahead of them.
