Junior college sharpshooter James Milliken signed his Letter of Intent to join Creighton University today. The 6’2” Milliken choose Creighton over TCU as well as Murray State, Missouri State and UNC-Greensboro. Milliken is ranked as the #39 overall Junior College player by jucorecruiting.com, the 11th overall scoring guard.
James Milliken (Creighton Signee) photo courtesy of Donita Clausen arkcity.net
Milliken was one of the better shooters in JC ball in his two seasons with Cowley County Community College in Kansas. Milliken averaged over 18 point per game shooting over 42% from behind the arc. At 6’2” Milliken drew comparisons with former Cowley County CC gunner Tyrus McGee. McGee was heavily recruited by the Jays before choosing Iowa State.
What really intrigued Creighton about Milliken was his ability to not only shoot the three but also take the ball to the rim. Milliken has good bounce and can finish over a bigger guard.
“I see myself as an impact scorer at Creighton,” Milliken told WBR. “I feel I can excel playing the off guard spot, playing off Doug and some of the other big time shooters that are returning, but I am also able to create my own shot.”
This was a priority for Creighton as few players on the 2013-2014 roster have to the ability to create their own shot near the bucket, especially with their move into the Big East.
“The staff was looking for someone who can make their own shot. I feel I can take advantage of the floor spacing Creighton’s shooters create. That’s why Doug is an important piece coming back. I feel I compliment his game well.”
Milliken’s game has changed since his High School days.
“I used to be a player who would just catch and shoot. At Cowley the coaching staff here had me running off screens and really helped develop my off the dribble game. Now that is a really my strength.”
Besides being a lethal outside shooter, he has a great mid-range game. These attributes signal significant playing time for Milliken as the Jays will look to find the type of scorer they lost last season following the unfortunate retirement of Creighton ‘legend’ Josh Jones.
When asked what Milliken feels he needs to improve on he was quick to say his defense.
“I need to buckle down and really learn Creighton’s defensive system, especially the help defense aspect of what we will play. My body is ready for Big East play. I weigh 190 — I mean I guess I would like to add 10 more pounds but I feel I can compete physically with any guard around.”
Milliken was Cowley County CC’s go-to player over his two seasons with the Tigers. He is one of only 11 players to score over 1,000 points with the school. Milliken finished his career with 1,150 points good for 6th all-time at Cowley County. He was named first team all-conference, and first team all-region following his sophomore campaign.
James will have two years of eligibility remaining. He will be getting to Omaha early in the summer. He told WBR that he will be going home to North Carolina before coming up to Nebraska to visit and be with family.
“I felt like Creighton was the right fit for me. The staff is great and I feel I fit into what they are trying to do,” Milliken said over the phone to WBR. “I told Coach McDermott on my visit that I feel like if I came to Creighton we could really make a run for a National Championship, and I truly believe that.”
Here is what Coach McDermott has to say:
“James is someone that my staff and I feel can score the basketball in a variety of ways. He has been highly successful playing for Tommy DeSalme at Cowley CC, with his team having won 45 games in his two season in Kansas. We feel that his basketball IQ and his character fit perfectly with our returning team as we head into the Big East Conference. We are very excited about James’ future in the Bluejay family and at Creighton University.”
Here is Milliken making a game winning lay-up last season for Cowley.
Milliken signing with Creighton (photo courtesy of: Cowley.edu)