2015-16 BIG EAST PREVIEW - Creighton Bluejays

The Big Picture

The Bluejays were in an expected retooling mode last year after the magnificent Doug McDermott era ended. They continued their emphasis on strong perimeter play last season (5 players made at least 43 3-pointers) and were much more competitive than their 14-19 record indicates. The Bluejays suffered four one-point losses and lost five more games between two and four points. Coach Greg McDermott has only one true returning starter, but he’s got many other experienced choices for his starting lineup. He can plug in a pair of quality transfers who figure to contribute immediately along with a group that includes 5 freshmen and a junior college hopeful.

Who’s Back:

Forward Toby Hegner, a 6-10 sophomore, averaged 6.7 points and 3.4 rebounds while starting 28 games as a rookie. 

Junior guard Isaiah Zierden, a sharp perimeter shooter, averaged 9.5 points until going down with a knee injury in February. 

Guard James Milliken finished strong last season and averaged 9.6 points for the year. 

Center Geoffrey Groselle was a valuable reserve last year while averaging 5.4 points and 2.5 rebounds. 

Zach Hanson, a 6-9 forward, averaged 11.5 minutes per game and averaged 3.8 points and 2.4 rebounds.

Who’s Gone:

Point guard Austin Chatman, who started every game for the past three seasons, has graduated. Last year, he led the team with an 11.5 scoring average and a 3.7 assist mark. 

Forward Rick Kreklow averaged 7.5 points and was a dependable 3-point shooter. 

Center Will Artino made 16 starts and averaged 6.1 points and 4.7 rebounds. 

Guard Devin Brooks also started 16 times while averaging 7.8 points and a team-leading 5.0 rebounds. 

Guard Avery Dingman averaged 4.1 points in 17 starts.

Storylines:

Point guard Maurice "Mo" Watson Jr. and 6-8 forward Cole Huff are the two transfers who figure to play immediately. Both are juniors. 

The Bluejays are expected to have Isaiah Zierden back from his knee surgery. 

The continued progress of James Milliken should help fortify the backcourt where junior college transfer Malik Albert along with freshmen Khyri Thomas and Ronnie Harrell, Jr. may find their way into the rotation. 

Closer to the basket, Geoffrey Groselle figures to support Cole Huff and Toby Hegner with freshmen Martin Krampelj and Justin Patton pushing to be noticed.


QUICK FACTS
Location: Omaha, NE
Enrollment: 8,230
Founded: 1878
Nickname: Bluejays
Colors: Blue and White
Home Court: CenturyLink Center (17,390)

COACHING STAFF
Head Coach
Greg McDermott (Northern Iowa ‘71)
Office Phone: (402) 280-1795
Assistant Coaches
Darian DeVries (Northern Iowa ‘98)
Steve Lutz (Texas Lutheran ‘95)
Preston Murphy (Rhode Island ‘99)