Point Guards

Casey Benson (Offered) Photo courtesy of: AZ Power

Nick Norton (Verbal) Photo courtesy of: NY2LA

Lowrawls Narin (Offered) Photo Courtesy of: 247Sports

Creighton hopes to replace then-seniors Austin Chatman and Devin Brooks with a floor leader from the 2014 class. Coach McDermott and staff did not waste anytime getting a verbal commitment from KC Run GMC operator Nick Norton (Creighton Verbal Commit). Following a great summer, Norton was poised to breakout at Rock Bridge HS, a school Creighton has recruited heavily in the past (2011-Ricky Kreklow, 2012-Justin Miller, 2013-Travis Jorgenson). Nick was playing the best basketball of his life before he injured his ACL in February. Nick has just begun to start the rehab process. Creighton staff will monitor Nick’s progress closely, but if there is one thing I’ve learned about Norton over the last year, it is that no one will work harder than he will to get back into playing shape.

One of the more exciting aspects of Creighton’s move tot he Big East will be the new doors and players that will be open to joining the Bluejays. One of those guards might prove to be Kevin Zabo, a Canadian playing for Brewster Academy, one of the top Prep schools in the nation. Brewster Academy produced former Creighton players Chad Millard and P’Allen Stinnett. Greg McDermott is also familiar with Brewster having plucked top 20 recruit Craig Brackins, Dodie Dunson and Melvin Ejim. Look for Creighton to be involved in the Northeastern Prep scene going forward. The addition of Coach Patrick Sellers will really help in the recruitment in this scene.

Creighton has also gotten involved with Arizona Prep standout Casey Benson (Creighton Offer). Benson reminds many of Grant Gibbs, with his high basketball IQ and ability to shape the flow of a game. Benson will be one of the hottest prospects on the AAU scene this summer. Look for Creighton to be at plenty of his events. Follow Casey Benson’s recruitment at the Underground

Creighton also looking very hard at Wisconsin native Sandy Cohen, Kansas athlete Lowrawls Narin, Colorado’s Regis star Josh Perkins, and Prep standout Jarvis Garrett.

Combo Guards

Jared Terrell (Offered) Photo courtesy of: Brewster Prep

Creighton has identified a number of athletic guards for 2014. Look for this list to grow with the addition of Sellers.

The Jays have been hot on Wisconsin’s Jerrelle Deberry for over a year. The 6’4” slashing guard has a good mid-range game, as well as ability to hit a deep three. Deberry who plays for a smaller school in Wisconsin, will likely blow up on the summer AAU scene, making it important the Jays keep tabs on him. Creighton has seen Deberry play at EYBL these last two weeks. I suspect Creighton would offer in the near future. Follow Jerrelle Deberry’s recruitment at the Undergound.

Creighton has been hot on the trial of KC Run GMC star Tyrone Taylor (Creighton Offer). Creighton was one of the first schools to offer Taylor, something that means an awful lot to the 6’2” scoring guard. Taylor is comfortable at either guard position and has a very similar game to former Mizzou stand-out Marcus Denmon. Taylor has visited Creighton a number of times. Look for Creighton to be a finalist for this elite scorer. Follow Tyrone Taylor’s recruitment at the Underground.

Nick Babb had a great week in Kansas. Creighton has been interested in the Texan for the last year, and has offered. Follow Nick Babb’s recruitment at the Underground.

Creighton’s move into the Big East will open doors to players who had little interest in playing in the Missouri Valley. As I mentioned above the Prep basketball scene in the Northeast produces college ready players by the bunches. Look for Creighton to target Brewster’s Jarred Terrell and St Thomas’ Malcolm Duvivier. Both are excellent options and could likely step right into big time minutes.

Creighton is also getting involved with a number of players off the NY Lightning AAU powerhouse. The hire of Patrick Sellers brings with it his numerous connections and relationships to top players, coaches and programs on the East Coast, including the NY Lightning squad. Khadeen Carrington and Mike Williams (Creighton Offer) will be two special talents to watch over these next couple months.

Wings

Leon Gilmore III (Offered) Photo courtesy of: Manvel MaxPreps

Victor Law Photo courtesy of: NY2LAsports

One of the biggest stock boosters this spring has been Houston Hoops do-everything man Leon Gilmore (Creighton Offer). Gilmore plays alongside possibly the most talented AAU players in the nation, yet has made quiet the impression himself. Gilmore was 6’4” just last year but has since blossomed to 6’7”. However the talented Houston wing has retained his guard-like skills. Creighton has made Gilmore a priority for the 2014 class. Follow Leon Gilmore’s recruitment at the Underground.

One of the top players in the nation is St. Rita’s wing Victor Law. Law is looking to blend academics with basketball, an aspect where Creighton really can appeal to Law.Law is interested in Harvard, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, DePaul, Florida State an Xavier. Look for Creighton to get more serious soon.

The Jays will also look hard at Omaha Central’s bouncy forward Tre’Shawn Thurman. Thurman is a super-athlete with a good shooting stroke, but most importantly a willingness to do the little things that help put his teammates in better positions to succeed.

Versatile Forwards

Malek Harris (Offered) Photo courtesy of: NY2LAsports

The forward position was thrown into a state of flux following the de-committment of Olathe East and KC Run GMC’s Ezra Talbert. Talbert verbally committed to the Creighton program following a tremendous Creighton Basketball Camp last summer. While the staff was convinced Talbert would have made an impact in the Big East, it was clear they need to target other positions in the 2014. Talbert would have likely played as a stretch 4, something incoming freshman Toby Hegner seems to have on lock right now.

Creighton is picking up interest in talented Illinois Wolves forward Malek Harris (Creighton Offer). At 6’7” Harris plays much more like a combo forward, than the traditionl stretch four Creighton has come to know and love. Harris is a bruising yet skilled big man who runs the floor well and attacks the rim. Follow Malek Harris’ recruitment at the Underground.

Athletic Bigs

Myles Turner (Offered) Photo courtesy of: ny2lasports

Creighton should be okay at the 5 with Will Artino (Senior), Geoffrey Groselle (Red-Shirt Junior) and Zach Hanson (likely a Sophomore), moving forward. One injury or transfer could however change the depth of this position in an instant.

Creighton is on plenty of high-major prospects includingMyles Turner (Creighton Offered), a top-100 player from Texas with an offer list as long as his wingspan. Turner has offers from nearly every Big XII school as well as power team in the midwest. His recruitment has blown up yet he continues to list Creighton as a team showing him major interest. Follow Myles Turner’s recruitment at the Underground.