Creighton Basketball Hot Board: 2013

Here is a new feature from the White & Blue Review. We will monitor Creighton’s recruiting targets throughout the year, giving our analysis regarding the future players of our program.

Point Guards

Devin Brooks (Verbal Commit)

Its been no secret that Creighton has targeted another lead guard to help Austin Chatman going forward. Creighton was real close to grabbing eventual Marquette signee John Dawson, as well as Georgia Tech’s KC Run GMC lead-man Travis Jorgenson. On April 3, Creighton got their man. 6’2” Devin Brooks signed with the Creighton Bluejays program and add instant athleticism to a back-court that was often criticized for its ability to get to the rim.

Combo Guards

James Milliken (Signed) photo courtesy of Cowley.edu

The biggest hole the team will have to fill going forward will be upgrade at the slashing/scoring/shooting guard position. For much of the year when Creighton’s shots were not falling, the offense came to a stand-still. Not one player on the roster was able to consistently create their own shot, outside Doug McDermott.

Creighton got its man on May 1 following the signing of James Milliken. Milliken is an athletic scoring guard who can hit shots from all over the court. He has no problem creating off the dribble or hitting an open 3 point shot. illiken averaged well over 17ppg leading his team for much of the last two seasons. Talk about James Millikan’s signing with Creighton at the Underground.

Jays have not ruled out taking a transfer to help bolster their squad for the 2014-2015 season.

Jays had former Maine stand-out Justin Edwards on an Official Visit from April 23-25. Edwards is an athletic scoring guard who plays above the rim, and is not afraid to create his own shot. Creighton recruited Edwards hard out of Canadian High School ball, a pipeline the Jays hope continues to be fruitful going forward. Edwards had a good visit and will likely check out Kansas State and a few other schools before deciding. Follow Justin Edwards’ recruitment at the Underground.

Wings

Darian Harris (SIGNED) Photo courtesy of: ny2lasports

During the summer Creighton got a close look at an under-the-radar wing from a small school in Arkansas. The staff was blown away and moved quickly to bring Darian Harris onboard.

The staff remain confident that Harris can have as significant an impact in the Big East as he would of in the Valley. Harris has been described as a cross between Grant Gibbs and 2012 Creighton target and current Texas A&M wing Alex Caruso.

Versatile Forwards

Toby Hegner (SIGNED) Photo courtesy of: ny2lasports

Creighton’s top target this summer was 6’9” forward from Wisconsin Toby Hegner. Hegner has since grown to 6’10” yet still possess unbelievable coordination and shooting ability for his size. Hegner had an amazing final season at Berlin HS averaging 20.8ppg an 12.7rpg.

Athletic Bigs

Zach Hanson (SIGNED) Photo courtesy of: ny2lasports

Creighton’s move to the Big East will require an upgrade in the size and athleticism at nearly every position going forward. The graduation of senior Gregory Echenique will be a huge blow to Creighton’s roster. Echenique’s size and skill are impossible to replicate, however the Creighton will welcome Zach Hanson – a 6’10”, 240 pound – big man from South Dakota. Hanson like Hegner committed to the program early in the summer, just as high-majors Minnesota, Ohio State and Wisconsin started to get involved. Hanson has good presence in the post and is unbelievably quick for his size. Hanson will not be asked to fill Echenique’s pink shoes right away, yet look for Zach to see meaningful minutes.

Also worth monitoring is the transfer of 5th year big man from Purdue Sandi Marcius. Marcius was heavily recruited by Steve Lutz to SMU before choosing Matt Painter’s Purdue. The Croatian played for former Creighton legend Alan Huss in High School.

KEY:

Schools in CAPS have offered scholarships. Lower-case schools are interested.