Creighton Bluejays Basketball Recruiting Update (August 2014)

Creighton staff have done the evaluations.

Greg McDermott and his coaches have scouted numerous games, open gyms, and video packages. Now it comes down to getting players from around the country onto campus and showing them just what Creighton can offer.

Creighton’s Team Camp this June was described by many at weak. Not many of the “elite” teams nor players committed to coming. Recruiting wonks, such as myself, were growing increasingly worried. Creighton’s camp is an annual event when some of the top prospects in the Midwest have the opportunity to get to Omaha and see our beautiful campus around the same time we host the College World Series.

My concerns were alleviated, though (another reason why Ras doesn’t pay me to scout).

Creighton hosted Omaha North’s varsity team lead by rising senior Justin Patton. Patton, who played on the AAU circuit with Omaha Crusaders, was having a nice spring. He was turning heads at every event the Crusaders were in. Mid-majors began to pay close attention. Suddenly coaches such as Ben Jacobson from UNI were prioritizing the highly skilled post from Omaha.

Creighton remained close to Patton the entire spring. When they saw Justin up close and personal during the Team Camp, it was clear the 6’10” center was a must-have for the staff. They offered a scholarship, Patton quickly accepted, and the local product became the first member of the 2015 class.

Patton’s verbal turned many heads. He was an extremely under-the radar-prospect, but that would soon change. The Creighton-Patton marriage signaled his arrival. Patton became one of the major players on the circuit. He became a must-watch player in nearly every tournament he played in.

Reports were all seemingly the same for the mobile big. Patton is an highly skilled player who turns his supreme defense abilities into offense. He is agile and runs the floor well. He is a dunking machine, with a high field goal percentage. He is a game-changer in the defensive paint and has an nice mid-range stroke, which at times he falls in love with instead of banging the ball down low. A number of different scouts and coaches have told me there is no doubt that he has NBA potential.

The most important aspect of the Patton story is that he grew up and lives blocks away from Creighton. It is important as Creighton continues to develop a footprint out East that we remain steadfast with prospects in our own backyard. Patton was a mid- to low-major heading into the 2014, however he was on Creighton’s radar, and by the looks of things Omaha looks to have a few surefire high major D1 players over the next few years.

Patton’s commitment has re-focused the Jays’ efforts in 2015. With a post player committed to the program the Jays can begin to shift their priorities.

The other big news in July/August was the de-commitment of top Creighton prospect Matt McQuaid from SMU. McQuaid is an elite shooter who like Patton, has seen his stock rise throughout the summer. Matt combines solid athleticism with superior shooting; he is tailor made for the Creighton offense.

 

Matthew McQuaid :: 6’5” :: (Duncanville) :: Team Texas

McQuaid’s de-commitment following a successful summer put him on the radar of a number of new schools that were not involved with Matt in 2o13. North Carolina, Michigan State, and Indiana have joined the McQuaid fan club. Creighton and Texas are a few of the schools that have picked up interested again. SMU is still in the picture but I would be surprised if they make the cut again. McQuaid has already taken unofficial visits to Indiana and Michigan State.

Following Matt’s excellent play in the EYBL he was named to the Nike Global Challenge West roster where he again thrived.

Matt has since scheduled a 3 more official visits over the last week. He will be visiting Creighton, Michigan State, and Texas in September. Matt’s first CU trip was on Creighton’s Senior Day, quite the event to take in; however Creighton’s practice facility was not complete and will not hurt Creighton’s chances. Look for the Jays to roll out the red carpet in a big way for the sharpshooter from Texas.

Recruiting Battle :: Creighton, Michigan State, Texas, & Indiana

 

Glynn Watson :: 5’10” :: (St. Josephs) :: Illinois Wolves

Creighton staff would never disclose this but I feel Watson has been Creighton’s top 2015 target for over a year. The lead guard from Chicago ticks all the boxes Creighton is looking forward in a lead guard. He’s a battler. He’s a pass-first point. He’s a lock-down defender. He’s crafty. Most importantly he’s a student of the game. Watson’s been good this summer, and Creighton has been present at nearly all of the Illinois Wolves events.

Watson recently cut his list down to 5: Creighton, Nebraska, West Virginia, Tennessee and Maryland. Out of those 5, you might be asking yourself were is Purdue, the supposed leader for Watson heading in to the Spring? In early August Purdue got a commitment from Grant Weatherford, a 2015 PG that took them out of the running for Watson. West Virginia, Tennessee, and Maryland have all offered as of late but it is clear that Glynn is hoping either Nebraska or Creighton wow him enough on his visit to steal his signature.

Watson will visit both Nebraska (August 29) and then Creighton (September 5). Watson has not set up any visits after this. What does this mean? Like I said it is clear Watson is giving both the Huskers and the Jays the first, and likely last, words on his recruitment. If both fail to convince him theirs is the school for him, then he will likely set up more visits in the fall, but look for a decision from Glynn in early September.

Recruiting Battle :: Creighton & Nebraska

 

Juwan Morgan :: 6’8” :: (Waynesville) :: MoKan Elite

We at WBR reported Creighton was interested in Juwan in late 2013. Juwan is an cerebral combo forward with a high ceiling. He reads the game well. He is also an excellent student, with interest from multiple Ivy league schools. His play with Mo-Kan Elite (Avery Dingman’s former AAU squad) catapulted him into multiple Top 100 ranking lists. Accordingly schools began to pick up interest, however Creighton made the 6’8” forward’s final 7 which include Creighton, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Stanford, Vanderbilt and Washington.

Here is how Juwan will make his Official Visits ::

1. Vanderbilt Aug. 28-30

2. Washington Sept. 11-14

3. Creighton Sept. 19-21

4. Indiana Sept 26-28

– Kansas or Stanford unscheduled (will decide on which school August 28) –

Morgan plans on making his decision following his final visit to Indiana at the end of September.

Recruiting Battle :: Vanderbilt, Creighton, & Indiana

 

Chris Clarke :: 6’5” :: (Cape Henry Collegiate) :: Boo Williams

If Justin Patton’s stock ‘took off’ this Summer than Chris Clarke’s stock EXPLODED. The consensus Top 150 player now finds himself in many experts top 50 players  for 2015. Clarke’s trademark motor has put high majors on full alert as they top programs began to scramble to make up ground on the swing-man from Virginia.

Creighton has been close with Clarke since the beginning of the year. Clarke has long said he hopes to get to Omaha to see what all the fuss is about. With new offers from UConn, Florida State, Florida, Cincinnati and UNLV, Creighton has had to be on top of their game with Clarke. Clarke has not narrowed his list nor scheduled his visits but he did recently say that “no one school is sticking out yet, but some schools are coming harder than others. Tennessee, Iowa State, Creighton, Florida, UConn are [coming the] hardest right now.”

I have continually heard that Creighton will get a visit, but we will have to wait a few more days to see if the Jays can swoon one of the highest risers in he 2015 class.

Recruiting Battle :: UConn, Florida, Tennessee, & Creighton

 

Justin Robinson :: 6’1” :: (St. James School) :: Boo Williams

Robinson is another one of the talent East Coast players Creighton has been able to attract now that the Jays are a member of the Big East. Robinson was an under-recruited point guard but saw his stock rise after a highly successful EYBL season with Boo Williams. Robinson started off the EYBL slow but gradually became one of the focal members of an extremely talented squad. Coach Sellers and the rest of the Creighton staff feel Robinson is one of the best point guards in the 2015 class and are in Robinson’s final 5 along with Maryland, UNLV, Virginia Tech and Providence. It seems clear that each one of those schools will be getting a visit from the talent guard soon.

Recruiting Battle :: Maryland, Virginia Tech, UNLV, Creighton, & Providence

 

Matt Milon :: 6’4” :: (Oviedo) :: Q6 All Stars

Milon recently narrowed his list down 6: Creighton, Florida State, Boston College, Stanford, Davidson & Harvard. Milon’s taken visits to Creighton and Boston College. Davidson and Harvard were both the most active spectators at Milon’s games this summer and Florida State has a hometown flavor.

Milon was present next to McQuaid during Senior Night in March. Two of the best shooters in the country next to each other was no mistake. Creighton would take both players if both want to join the Jays. I believe Creighton is in a great place with the Florida lefty. Look for Creighton to get an official visit shortly.

Recruiting Battle :: Stanford, Davidson, Creighton, Boston College, & Florida State

 

Ty Hudson :: 6’1” :: (Pebblebrook) :: Southern Stampede

The lightning quick lead guard from Georgia is seen by many as a VCU lean, but he has come out and said he wants to see his recruitment play out into the Fall. Hudson continually lists Creighton at or near the top of his list so the Jays might be in poll position for a visit if they do not already have there lead guard position filled before Hudson begins narrowing his choices.

Recruiting Battle :: VCU & Creighton

 

Alex Illikainen :: 6’9” :: (Brewster Academy) :: Howard Pulley

We’ll just come out and say it, Alex did not have the greatest Spring/Summer season. Joining the EYBL put him front and center of a number of scouts and writers who began to pick the skilled forward from Minnesota apart. Creighton was extremely high on Alex throughout the summer but began to cool on Alex following Justin Patton’s verbal. This is not to say the Jays dropped Alex on their board, but that they felt Patton has more of what they are looking for in 2015 at that spot. Alex’s suitors, like always, still begin with Minnesota. The hometown squad has made Alex a top priority since Richard Pitino took the reigns of Gopher Nation.

Alex’s move to Brewster Academy will put him on he same squad as a number of other high major players and will pit him against just as many on a weekly basis. Is adjustment to the New England Prep scene will likely determine how his recruiting will play out.

I’ve been told that Creighton still really likes Alex. Having seen a few of his games this summer on the computer he still reminds me of a young Doug. He is skilled, quick in the post and the hardest worker on the court for positions. Alex has also become a very good outside shooter.

Recruiting Battle :: Minnesota & Creighton

Dean Wade :: 6’7” :: (Saint Johns) :: Mid Kansas

Creighton got in Wade’s final 6 along with Kansas State, Wichita State, Vanderbilt, Iowa, & Oklahoma. The small school product literally came out of nowhere this summer. He’s a skilled forward with the ability to play multiple positions, a theme we will see throughout most of these prospects. Wade fits the bill of what Creighton is looking for when scouting these combo players, he can shoot, he has good court vision, and he is unselfish. It is unclear as of right now who Wade will visit but Creighton is likely to get a visit from the Kansas prospect.

Recruiting Battle :: Wichita State, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, Kansas State, & Creighton

 

Aaron Falzon :: 6’7” :: (Northfield Mount Hermon) :: Expression’s Elite

Falzon is a player I’ve been very high on all year. He’s a face up 4 man who might be one of the best shooting prospects in the country. When I say shooting prospects I mean his shot will translate easily into the college game. At 6’7” it’s relatively easy for him to get his shot off against players his size, an aspect smaller guards might have trouble with once they step up a level. Falzon has recently announced 3 of his 5 visits they include Northwestern, Boston College and Harvard. Aaron has also said that Creighton and Stanford will be his final two visits if he doesn’t commit following the first three. I personally think Falzon is an exact replica of Ethan Wragge and just as good of a shooter. Lets hope that it rains real hard at both Boston College and Northwestern, c0-favorites for Aaron, on his visits.

Recruiting Battle :: Northwestern & Boston College

 

Chad Lott :: 6’3” :: (Byrd) :: Nike Team Louisana

The Louisiana comb guard is someone who the Jays have been on all summer. That hard work has paid off as Lott recently announced his final six which includes the Jays, LSU, SMU, UNLV, Houston & Texas Tech. The high scoring, high octane guard will announce his official visit list over the next couple weeks. He hopes to decide int the fall. Lott told Big East Coast Bias “I want to go into college and be a program changer by the time I leave. I want them to look back at the beginning of a great program and being one of the reasons why the program uprised…ya know? Start a revolution.”

Recruiting Battle :: LSU, SMU, Texas Tech, & Houston

 

Jordan Murphy :: 6’7” :: (William J. Brennan) :: Texas D1 Ambassadors

Creighton has made the combo forward all must watch prospect all summer. Thus it has been no surprise that Murphy constantly lists the Jays as possible suitors for his talents at every turn. Murphy has stated multiple times that Creighton, Texas A&M and Maryland are the schools showing him the most interest. It seems to me that the Jays do want to take a forward with this skill set in this class and have prioritized getting Juwan Morgan, Cody Schwartz, Aaron Falzon and Jordan Murphy onto campus. After all the work they’ve done on Murphy it seems likely that the staff will likely get an official visit from the Texan.

Recruiting Battle :: Maryland, Memphis, Texas A&M, &Creighton

 

Markis McDuffie :: 6’7” :: (St. Anthony) :: Sports U

The combo forward recently landed offers from Wichita State, Maryland, and SMU. He’s a player Sellers has been hard on all summer. Sellers has been front and center for multiple games for the St. Anthony’s star.  Like we’ve mentioned earlier with Murphy it is important the staff get these players to campus so all the coaches can evaluate the players and see how they stack up once on campus. McDuffie lists, Saint Joseph’s, VCU, Creighton, Rutgers, Duquense, Penn State, St. Peter’s, Boston College, Fordham, Quinnipiac, Seton Hall, VCU, SMU, Wichita State and Maryland, as some of his potential landing spots. With a list like that McDuffie’s recruitment could be pushed back in to the late Fall.

Recruiting Battle :: Open

 

Cody Schwartz :: 6’7” :: (West De Pere) :: Wisconsin Blizzard

Schwartz has been a player Creighton has been on so long, the Jays actually started recruiting him to as a member of the Valley. The staff still think Schwartz can do a job in the Big East but it seems like the smooth shooter from Wisconsin has slipped behind other targets the Jays have evaluated.

Recruiting Battle :: St. Joseph

Ed Morrow :: 6’8” :: (Simeon) :: Mac Irvin Fire

Morrow has been a player close to the Jays throughout the entire process. He’s grown up in Nebraska and knows the state well. Thus it should come as a shock to no one when Morrow continually list Nebraska and Creighton near his top of favorites. Tim Miles and the Husker staff have made Morrow a high priority and are the quiet leader for Ed. Morrow has announced he will officially visit Lincoln in September. I would be shocked if the Huskers don’t land Ed when he gets to campus. Problem for Creighton becomes does he convince fellow Illinois high school star Glynn Watson to join him?

Recruiting Battle :: Nebraska