We are profiling each member of the 2012-13 Creighton women’s basketball team. Join us weekdays leading up to the regular season tip-off against Oklahoma (November 10) for an introduction to this year’s Bluejays, from freshmen to seniors.
Fujan is looking for a breakout season
One key to success in the game of women’s basketball is the ability to feature players that can drive to the rim and finish. McKenzie Fujan could be that key ingredient this season for the Bluejays. Fujan has had flashes of greatness in her first two seasons on the Hilltop, but she is ready to do more.
Last season Fujan started 28 of 33 games for head coach Jim Flanery’s team. Her 4.8 points and 2.5 rebounds a game doesn’t tell her whole story. There were games last season that she came up big for the Bluejays thanks to her versatile play — She had 9 points and 8 rebounds in a win against Southern Illinois, dished out 6 assists in two other games, and scored in double-figures in three of the team’s final seven games. Fujan’s flexibility has been important in preparing for this season.
“I’ve been playing the 4 spot (power forward) some this year. I have to learn a lot of positions but that is all right. I am used to that. I am still kind of playing some point guard. It is definitely a challenge to play defense on the post, that is for sure. But I am getting used to it”
Fujan played both at the point guard and shooting guard positions last season. The time at point guard running the offense limited her ability to move around without the ball and to be that slashing force for the offense. This year she can focus more on the shooting guard position with Marissa Janning looking to take over at point. However, she still wants to work on her point guard skills.
“I’ve worked on shooting and being able to be a better offensive threat. I wanted to work on my point guard skills just because even if I am not playing point guard this year, then I can fill those skills in somewhere else. Defense is also a big thing for me and trying to get better that way.”
Her 12 points against Drake, where she scored the first 11 points of the second half, in the MVC championship game was the deciding factor in getting the Bluejays into the NCAA Tournament. They are looking to get back there again after getting a taste of the experience.
“We always have that goal in our mind of the MVC champs again. I think we just want to be able to peak when we are supposed to and be able to get to the place we think we can with our potential. We have more experience, especially winning the MVC tournament last year we know what it feels like and know how to prepare for that.”
The one thing Fujan has been battling heading into this season is the injury bug. She was able to play in the scrimmage at Iowa last weekend. She also played 17 minutes in the exhibition game on Wednesday night against Southwest Minnesota State, scoring 5 points, grabbing 3 rebounds and scoring an assist. The hope is that she is able to overcome those injuries as the season gets into full swing.
“I have a few random things sometimes, but it is nothing huge and I will be fine. It will be great,” said Fujan.
The Bluejays open the regular season on Saturday, November 10, against Oklahoma at D.J. Sokol Arena.