Cole Huff (#13 / F / 6-8 / 210 lbs / Jr.)
May 4, 2014: The Creighton baseball team overcame a 7-5 deficit against Seton Hall in the 10th inning to win 8-7 on a walk-off double steal that allowed Jake Peter to score after an errant throw to third. Creighton center fielder Brad McKewon began that comeback with a base hit to left field in the first at-bat of the inning.
Why does any of that matter in a player preview about Cole Huff?
Well, if you believe some things are just meant to be, then Cole Huff was the first sign that it was going to be a good day for the Creighton Bluejays. Maybe a minute prior to McKewon’s lead-off single in the bottom of the 10th, Huff announced on Twitter that he was committing to play basketball at Creighton, choosing the Jays over other finalist Iowa after deciding to transfer after completing his sophomore season at Nevada. A sophomore season that saw him earn an All-Mountain West Conference Honorable Mention selection after averaging 12.4 points per game and 5.4 rebounds on 45.1% shooting from the field.
In his first year in Omaha he has been one of the best players on the floor, even while he tries to learn the offense. He is the type of athlete and player Creighton fans are wishing they could attract in the post-Doug McDermott era. They’ll have to wait a year to see him prove his talent while he sits out his transfer season, but that won’t prevent him from pushing the first unit in practice as they are sure to face athletes of Huff’s caliber throughout the season.
Huff’s University of Nevada Stats:
Freshman – 4.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 11-43 3FG (.256 %)
Sophomore – 12.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 56-139 3FG (.403 %)
Huff’s High School Stats:
Senior – 20.8 ppg, 14.6 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.2 spg
Head Coach Greg McDermott on Huff:
“He’s going to be great in this system with his ability to score the basketball and shoot it from the three-point line. His work ethic is second to none — it’s one of the best we’ve had in this program during my time here.”
5-on-5 with Cole Huff:
Q: How has practice and preseason preparation gone for you so far?
A: “It’s been going well. I’m adjusting to a new offense. The defensive schemes are a little bit different, but I think it’s good for me. I’ve already been through this process two times before, so I’m already use to the game, the pace, the speed, and the physicality. Now it’s just adjusting to the different techniques and schemes that we have here at Creighton. I’m trying to be somewhat of a leader even though it’s my first year here. Just showing the freshman what to do and what not to do. Talking through some things with them. It’s fun. I have one year off, but if I listen to my coaches and my teammates it’s going to be great.”
Q: What do you think of the Championship Center and how has it helped you improve?
A: “I’ve never seen anything like this before. 24-hour gym access and we live right across the street, so it’s only a three or four minute walk. The team is always around here so it’s great for team bonding whether we’re just in here playing pool or watching TV. Sometimes, either early mornings or late nights, being able to get up shots or work on things you’re not too great at is great for what we’re doing.”
Q: What were some of things you worked on in the offseason either to just improve your game or to fit into this new system?
A: “Strength and conditioning. Moving into the Big East Conference is going to be a lot different just because of the physicality. Top 25 teams with good players on those teams. Everyone is a lot bigger and a lot more physical. While I need to adjust to that I also need to pick up on my speed and my lateral quickness, especially if I’m out there on the perimeter guarding people. Not necessarily from an offensive or defensive stand point, but just being a lot quicker with my movements and being a lot better physically.”
Q: What are your thoughts on Creighton being picked ninth in the Big East after the season they had last year?
A: “Can’t worry too much about it. We’re going to have it in the back of our head that people are doubting us, but they’re entitled to their own opinions. We had a core group of guys that had been here awhile and it’s going to be difficult without them, but it’s going to be a new challenge for us. I think the guys on the team are focused as well and ready to attack this and prove those guys wrong.”
Q: What do you think is the ceiling for this team?
A: “Like Will Artino said at media day, our goal every year is to get to the NCAA Tournament. Without a doubt that’s our priority. I think we have a lot of capable guys on this team. Guys probably that have been in smaller roles in the past, whether it be transfers or people who didn’t play a whole lot last year. They’re going to have to step up and take on new roles, but I think we’re all capable of doing it. If we can all do that we’ll be just fine.”