Creighton’s forward line is bolster two big time off-season additions.
If Creighton’s compliance department worked hard to get Grant Gibbs another basketball season, then it worked a miracle out to get Sean Kim another year. Kim played in 25% of Creighton matches last year before suffering his second ACL tear of his career. The loss or Kim came while Creighton was ranked #1 in the country; following his injury Creighton’s dynamic suffered and the Jays found it much tougher to score.
Kim’s return is not the only huge addition to the strike force. One of the top forwards in the nation, Ricky Lopez-Espin, joins the Bluejays from the ever-growing Shattuck-St. Mary’s pipeline. Lopez-Espin is a specimen of a player. At 6-foot-2, he has the body of a professional player. But don’t let his size fool you; he’s got an excellent first touch, great passing ability, and rocket of a shot.
Both Christian Blandon and Ricky Perez are also listed as forwards on the official roster, and with Creighton moving to a two-forward system it is possible both of those two and possibly Fabian Herbers could see time up top.
Bolowich’s switch to a two-forward lineup suits this squad’s personnel. The ability to load the offensive third with players like Lopez-Espin, Kim, Herbers, Blandon, etc., will only lead to more goals. The problem becomes breaking up the counter-attack when these players fail to score. That becomes a team effort, with the forward line the first line of defense.
Sean Kim (#9)
(WBR/Mike Spomer — CLICK TO BUY)
As we detailed above Kim’s return not only improves Creighton’s striking pool, his play also allows the team’s most dangerous players to focus on scoring. Kim is a speedy forward who makes a living capitalizing off the opposing team’s mistakes. He is the type of player you dread playing if you’re the opposing defense. He never gives up on a ball, is constantly buzzing around the box, and is always putting forth the effort to make your job as a defender harder.
Kim’s 2 goals and 2 assists in 5 matches did not seem like a whole lot at the time before his injury, but hindsight is 20/20. Kim’s pace and work rate make this offense tick. Bolowich told WBR during media days that Kim looks better than ever, but needs to regain his match form. Kim has not played in a competitive match for over 7 months, but when he plays himself into match shape just watch out.
Ricky Lopez-Espin (#7)
Lopez-Espin was one of the more successful players in the USSDA over the last two seasons. He’s led Shattuck-St Mary’s to new heights and personally became one of the nation’s top recruits in the process. Lopez-Espin netted 21 goals in 27 matches for Shattuck U18 team in the 2013-2014 season. As his play continued to improve he earned a call in to the U.S. U20 National Team camp. There Lopez-Espin competed against the best young professionals and college players in the United States. Reports from the camp were that Lopez-Espin not only held his own but he was one of the more impressive strikers at camp and could be in line for another call-in soon.
Lopez-Espin is also tailor-made for this two-forward system. He has the build of a hold up player, but also the uncanny skill to make a decisive pass to wide players bombing forward.
Ricky has already made an impression, with both Timo Pitter an Alex Bolowich commenting on his great play over the first few weeks of practice. Lopez-Espin is poised for a big 2014 and Creighton fans should be excited he’s in a Bluejay uniform.
Zabarle Kollie (#23)
(WBR/Mike Spomer — CLICK TO BUY)
The skilled forward played sparingly last season behind Kim and the departed Carlos McCrary and Marvin Iskra.
Kollie should get a chance to showcase his talent in the new two-striker formation. A knock kept Kollie out of the scrimmage, but expect him back for the beginning of the season.
Kollie is best with the ball at his feet and taking a defenders on. He’s got smooth moves and the pace to blow past defenses.