This is the eighth of our “Meet the Jays” segments featuring the 2009-2010 Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball players. Join us as we profile different scholarship players each day leading up to the season opener at Dayton on November 14.
Last season, Creighton suffered the worst rebound margin average in the league. There just never seemed to be enough players around the basket hitting the boards. This statistic hurt the Bluejays in a few losses last season, losses that could have meant the difference between being one of the Last Four In the NCAA Tournament or playing in the NIT.
So it isn’t surprising that finding a consistent rebounding presence in the frontcourt was a priority for Dana Altman and his coaching staff heading into the 2009-2010 season. And if Wayne Runnels’ performance in the exhibition games is any indication, it appears Creighton might have some needed relief in the rebounding department.
Runnels comes to Creighton from the great state of Oklahoma; specifically, from Northern Oklahoma Junior College where he set the school’s career record with 484 rebounds. He isn’t only a board man, though; he ranks second in school history with 893 career points. Runnels averaged a double-double last season, stats that stood out to a coaching staff in need of a difference maker in the power forward position. He is poised to contribute right away as a junior college transfer, although there will be some tough transitions from the JUCO ranks. Runnels told White & Blue Review what he has experienced since arriving on the Hilltop and making the move to D-I .
“There is definitely a transition. I’ve noticed not only playing, but in the weight room as well. But I think I am doing all right so far. I still have to keep on working. I’m enjoying it all.”
One of elements of Creighton’s program that drew Runnels to Omaha was the Qwest Center. He was in attendance last season when the Bluejays took on the storied Kentucky Wildcats.
“I’m really excited to play at the Qwest Center. I came to the Kentucky game. It is definitely a nice environment.”
Runnels could have chosen to pursue any sport he wanted as he excelled in basketball, football, baseball, and track and field while in high school. As he has become more focused on basketball the past few years, there is more to his game than his rebounding abilities.
“I would like to say I enjoy driving to the hole and finishing. The rebounding is good, but driving to the hole and making plays and getting my teammates open are what I enjoy doing even more.”
Runnels may be pressed into a bigger role than expected with the injury to Justin Carter on Sunday. Is there a chance he might be in the starting lineup Saturday afternoon? Tune in to Cox channel 2 (or 122 on the Cox digital tier) to watch Runnels and the rest of the Bluejays take on Dayton at 12 p.m.
