Most seasons, Creighton Otter takes a few minutes hours to comb through Rob Anderson’s annual Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball media guide looking for tasty morsels of hoops knowledge and other randomness. The following are some highlights of the 2015-16 guide (download it here). 

Miscellany

“CenturyLink Center Omaha is the nation’s only arena to have 4 mm and 6 mm pixel configuration” on the arena’s center scoreboard.

That’s some ultra-high def putting competitions, folks.

“With the notable exception of Madison Square Garden, the Bluejays play in the best arena in the Big East.”
- Kevin McNamara, Providence Journal.

But clearly not the best-named arena in the Big East. #dunkindonutscenter #thedunk

“The Championship Center is highlighted by the Athletic Performance Center, Wayne and Eileen Ryan Athletic Training Center, the Parker Family Academic Resource Center and the Kyle Korver Courts inside D.J. Sokol Gymnasium, among many other features.”

Rob clearly forgot the Isaiah Zierden Hydrotherapy Suite. Big miss.

“In fact, as you look at the five Fortune 500 companies that call Omaha home, they are all innovators: Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific, ConAgra Foods, Mutual of Omaha and Peter Kiewit Sons’.”

Um.

“Home to the world’s largest indoor rainforest, next to the world’s largest indoor desert under the world’s largest geodesic dome, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo is a can’t miss when you’re in town. Experience what it’s like to go underground and see rare creatures that only come out at night, or surround yourself with sharks as you walk through an 850,000-gallon underwater tunnel.”

Also, get drunk in the Bud Bar, Uber your way down 10th street, wander into said zoo, and stick your hand in the tiger cage.

“Omaha is a mecca to music pioneers, as the city is known by many as the nation’s premier hot spot for the indie rock scene. It’s home to famed Saddle Creek Records and nationally renowned bands such as Bright Eyes, The Faint and Cursive.”

As a fan of all those bands, and numerous other Omaha-born acts, I’ve always thought it’d be great if someone could commission The Faint to compose a Creighton tip-off-specific tune. Todd Fink & Co. know what they’re doing — nothing will replace Archie, mind you, but who can make this happen?  

“The 2015-16 Creighton basketball team returns more motivated than ever after a 14-19 season that saw the program’s 17-year streak of postseason play end.”

F&$#. I was almost over that, Rob, until I read it again. Ugh. Remember that flaming ship in March 2010? The one Dana somehow turned into a gig at Planet Nike? Even that season ended with games after the conference tournament.

“A trio of fourth-year juniors will be counted on for major minutes. Isaiah Zierden…”

Interesting juxtaposition there, considering the luck he’s had with his knees the past two seasons.

“Creighton has just two sophomores, on the roster, Toby Hegner and Tyler Clement.”

But the Bluejays have SEVEN freshmen. SEVEN.

Marcus Foster weighs only 5 lbs. less than Justin Patton, while Patton’s 8 inches taller.

The Jays have nine guys who have redshirted at some point. Who is next?

“It’s the 10th straight season that CU has been among the nation’s top 25 in average home attendance, and the fourth straight season in the top-six nationally in attendance, as well.”

Must be the beer.

“Creighton was the nation’s first team to average 17,000+ fans, despite a losing record, since Louisville in 2000-01.”

Rumor is that Cardinals team hired dancers to perform at games, to lure fans to attend.

“Creighton has also made four or more three-pointers in 68 straight games, the nation’s third- longest such string. That streak began in CU’s 2013-14 season-opener.”

#LetItFly

“The 2014-15 campaign marked the first time since 1970 that Creighton had three NBA players at the same time, as Kyle Korver (Atlanta Hawks), Anthony Tolliver (Detroit Pistons) and Doug McDermott (Chicago Bulls) were all in the league.”

Three good dudes. Great for them, great for Creighton.

The Coaches

“A fourth-team all-state center for Cascade High School in 1983, (Greg) McDermott would enter the IHSAA Hall of Fame in 2015 for his playing prowess as a prep.”

Prowess is a severely underused word.

“[Darian] DeVries was a standout athlete in school at Aplington-Parkersburg (Iowa), and in the spring of 2015 was inducted into the IHSAA Hall of Fame for his playing prowess.”

#Prowess

“While at Creighton, [Steve] Lutz works with the Bluejay frontcourt, recruiting and scouting of future opponents. Those recruiting efforts helped bring in five-star center prospect Justin Patton this fall.”

The Texas pipeline shifted to North High.

“[Preston] Murphy graduated from Rhode Island in 1999 with a degree in Finance. He scored 1,218 points for the Rams while playing in four straight postseasons, including a run to the Elite Eight in 1998. He ranks among URI’s all-time leaders in three- point percentage, assists and steals.”

“Before coming to Creighton, [Jeff] Vanderloo spent the previous 19 seasons as the head coach at Sioux City (Iowa) East High School, where he led the Black Raiders to 295 wins and eight state tournament appearances, and helped develop 36 players who went on to play in college. He is the winningest boys high school basketball coach in Sioux City history and was inducted into the IHSAA Hall of Fame as a coach in the spring of 2015.”

Coaching prowess, right there.

Former Northern Iowa standout Matt Schneiderman is a volunteer coach for Creighton this year!

“Prior to being named an assistant at Creighton on July 11, 1994, [Len] Gordy had spent two years as a teacher in the Atlanta public schools system.”

Guess I had glossed over that in the past. Cool.

The Returners

Entering last season, Geoffrey Groselle – this year a fifth-year senior – had only attempted 20 field goals in his Creighton career. He attempted 111 in 2014-15.

James Milliken’s favorite spot on campus is the Java Jay. They still have those dope grilled cheeses? Loved those.

Zach Hanson … “Also had the go-ahead tip-in during the final minute of Creighton’s two-point victory against the Sooners.”

I totally forgot this. Everyone remembers the shot Z took, and the shot our photographers took of Mac and the bench reacting. But, yeah, totally spaced Zach had that tip-in. Check out the 8:00-minute mark:

Hanson … “Selected Creighton over Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa State and Gonzaga.”

Toby Hegner last season … “Became third freshman in the last 22 years to start a season-opener, joining Bluejay legends Ryan Sears (CU’s all-time leader in steals/assists) and Doug McDermott (CU’s all-time leading scorer).”

I mean, that’s a big effing deal, at least to me. No Kyle. No Terrell. No P’Allen. Etc. Etc. Sure, those guys played as true freshmen, unlike Toby. But plenty of heralded dudes haven’t cracked the starting lineup first game as a freshman, redshirt or not.

Hegner scored a career-high 21 points in a home win against St. John’s late last January. He didn’t record another double-figure scoring effort the rest of the season.

5: the number of times “knee” appears in Isaiah Zierden’s two-page section of the media guide.

About Zierden, I love this stat: “Program’s first player since 1986-87 (Gary Swain) to play more than 40 minutes in consecutive games (Dec. 9 & 13).”

Zierden … “Set screen that got Doug McDermott open on his game-winning three-pointer with 2.8 seconds left vs. St. John’s (Jan. 28).
”

Never forget “The Anatomy of a Game-Winner”.

Fresh Faces

Maurice Watson Jr.’s “Awards & Honors” section:

• 2012-13 America East All-Conference Third Team
• 2012-13 America East All-Rookie Team

• 2012-13 America East Rookie of the Week, 12/3
• 2012-13 America East Rookie of the Week, 1/28
• 2012-13 America East Rookie of the Week, 2/11
• 2012-13 America East Rookie of the Week, 2/18
• 2012-13 CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Freshman All-American

• 2013-14 First Team All-Patriot League
• 2013-14 NABC All-District 13 First Team

• 2013-14 Patriot League First Team All-Conference
• 2013-14 USBWA First Team All-District I

Proven yet hungry. I like that.

Watson is the … “Seventh-leading scorer in Philadelphia prep history with 2,356 points and second-most in the history of the Philadelphia Public League, finishing ahead of Wilt Chamberlain (2,206).”

More important, though, Watson was the MVP of his high school cross-country team. #motor


Maurice Watson Jr. had 4 or more steals seven times as a sophomore at Boston University in 2013-14. Only twice last year did a Creighton player have 4 or more steals … and it didn’t happen once after November 23.

“[Cole Huff] Scored career-high 31 points in double-overtime win at Fresno State (Jan. 22), adding career-highs with six three-pointers and 47 minutes played.”

Our guys own Fresno State even when they aren’t our guys yet.

Ronnie Harrell … “Was 5’8” as a freshman in high school before growing seven inches that summer, then grew another three inches after his sophomore campaign.”

Ouch, right?

Malik Albert … “Averaged 24.4 points, 4.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game in 2013-14, when he was named a NJCAA Division II First Team All-American.”

He sat out last season to “get his academics in order”. Could be Preston Murphy’s first payoff for the Bluejays.

Marcus Foster

Marcus Foster averaged 14.1 points per game his first two seasons in the Big 12 at Kansas State.

Foster … “Led team with 15.5 points per game as a fresh- man and 79 three-point baskets while starting all 33 games as he was named second-team all-Big 12.”

Last season, he … “Averaged 12.5 points in 29 games as a sophomore, making 24 starts and leading team in scoring aver- age, points, field goals and three-pointers.”

Also, Foster in high school was a two-year regional qualifier in the high jump.

Dude’s the truth.

Foster faced ranked teams 9 times as a freshman at Kansas State and 9 times as a sophomore. He averaged 16.3 points in those games. Oh, and that doesn’t include the 15 of his team’s 56 points in a second-round NCAA Tournament loss to eventual national runner-up Kentucky. It’s arguable that the best guard Creighton will see all season will be starring in the team’s own practices.

The Freshmen

Martin Krampelj … “Averaged 12.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per contest in three games in Italy.” He also had a team-best eight steals.

Alex O’Neill’s parents attended Creighton, as did his older brother and sister. His mom played for Bruce Rasmussen. No word on if she could shoot as well as Laine Korver.

Justin Patton … “Ranked 24th in the final Scout rankings of high school seniors last spring.”

I mean, I’m just salivating at the thought of Justin being a star.

Marlon Stewart’s high school coach, Shamus Budde, is the brother of former Creighton player Jevin Budde.

Khyri Thomas was … “Coached at Benson by former Creighton big man Donnie Johnson.”

Donnie!

Thomas’ dream job is to be a doctor at Children’s Hospital. That’s badass.

Drew Cayce … “Played for coaches Alan Huss (a former Creighton player) and Shane Heirman, while at La Lumiere.”

Big Al!

The Non-Con Opponents & Coaches

Bobby Hurley brings his first Arizona State to Omaha in early December. He of two national championships at Duke. He, the top ten draft pick out of college. He, the all-time assists leader in college hoops. He, member of the collection of college stars that actually beat the Dream Team while Jordan, Barkley, and Magic were preppin’ for the ‘92 Olympics.

Hurley’s joined on the bench by Rashon Burno. I will cheer for him.

The last (and only) time Creighton played Coppin State, the Jays lost 66-60 in 1989.

Speaking of assistants, Indiana’s Rob Judson is familiar with the Bluejays program. After a stint as Northern Illinois head coach, Judson assisted at Illinois State from 2007 through 2013. And way back in the day, he worked at Bradley.

Creighton actually leads the all-time series against the Hoosiers, 2-1. Granted, CU’s two wins came in the 1920’s. Indiana won the last meeting, in 1974.

Porter Moser! Bryan Mullins! Our replacement in the Valley! Man, December 5 in Chicago will be fun for Jays fans flocking to the road game at Loyola.

A bit less heralded than Hurley, another outstanding point guard from the ‘90s will (potentially) coach against Creighton this season. Derek Kellogg runs the show at UMass; he did the same as a two-year captain from 1991-1995, when he and Marcus Camby and Loe Roe led the Minutemen to four straight regular season and conference tournament titles in the A-10 under the tutelage (and styling guidance) of John Calipari.

Tim Miles is 47-49 at Nebraska. And Greg McDermott is undefeated against Miles in coaching matchups. Against any coach at Nebraska, and no matter what school he was coaching, McDermott is 10-3.

The same year Creighton plays at Assembly Hall in Bloomington for the first time in more than 40 years, the Bluejays get a crack at a former Hoosiers head coach too. Mike Davis will bring Texas Southern to Omaha; Davis took over for Bob Knight at Indiana, even taking IU to the national championship game in 2002.

Back when the schedule was released, I wrote a bit about Brooks Thompson, the head coach of UTSA (Creighton’s opponent on November 17). Worth the click just to watch the video:

Their coach? Former NBA player Brooks Thompson. Fun fact: During his first year as a college basketball coach, as an assistant at Oklahoma State, in 1998-99, the Cowboys came to Omaha that year and left a loser to Creighton.

The Big East

Former Creighton assistant Patrick Sellers is in DePaul with new head man Dave Leitao — who used to be the Blue Demons head coach.

By the time the season’s first month is through, Georgetown will have played AP Preseason Top 25 squads #3 Maryland, #17 Wisconsin, and either #5 Duke or VCU. That’s big kid scheduling, right there.

Want to see another exciting/annoying former Duke point guard at the CLink? Don’t worry! Steve Wojciechowski (WOJO!) brings his first Marquette squad to Omaha in late February.

Speaking of the Dream Team … Chris Mullin coaches St. John’s now, a job that got off on a rather rocky first note. He’s a Basketball Hall-of-Famer, a living legend.

Daniel Ochefu is still at Villanova. One of his coaches is Baker Dunleavy — son of Mike and brother of Mike Jr.

Last year’s Xavier squad, the last team to avoid the play-in day at MSG, was the league’s only team to win two or more games in the NCAA Tournament.

Four of the seven-man All-Big East 2014-15 First Team are back this season: Ryan Arcidiacono, Kellen Dunham, Kris Dunn, and D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera.

A Taste of Italy

In three games against overmatched exhibition foes in Italy this summer (average score: 109-42), six Creighton players averaged 9 or more points per game. The top five per-game scorers are all newcomers to CU; only Geoffrey Groselle (9.3 ppg) had played an official game for the Bluejays.

Maurice Watson had a 20-to-5 assist-to-turnover ratio on the trip. He actually had more steals (6) than turnovers.

Watson wasn’t the top turnover trigger man, though. That honor belonged to two other newcomers: true freshmen Martin Krampelj (8 steals) and Khyri Thomas (7 steals).

Remembering the Bad Taste

Last year was Creighton’s first losing season in nearly 20 years.

Last year’s Jays lost 8 games in the final minute, including four 1-point losses.

Creighton’s mired in a three-game home losing streak. School record is six.

Creighton scored just 40 points against Georgetown in Omaha last season. Doug McDermott scored 40 or more points by himself three times in his CU career.

Ahh, yes, the good ol’ plus-minus chart. Last season’s winner? Creighton was +65 with Devin Brooks on the floor. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s Avery Dingman’s -101.

Six of the ten Big East member schools advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Only one (Xavier) made it to a Sweet Sixteen.

Creighton finished last or second to last in the following team categories: scoring offensive (9th), field goal percentage (10th), field goal percentage defense (9th), blocked shots (10th), steals (10th), three-point field goal percentage defense (10th), and turnover margin (10th).

Stats. Sweet, Sweet Stats

The last person to dish 12 or more assists in a game is Grant Gibbs (December 2011). Any action on Maurice Watson Jr. joining Gibbs this season?

The only person on the single-game blocked shots list other than Benoit Benjamin? Doug Swenson (8 blocks at UMKC in 1998).

No Creighton player in program history has recorded a traditional triple-double.

Last year, Creighton made 238 free throws as a team. As a junior in 1989-90, Bob Harstad made 218 free throws.

Doug

Doug McDermott is the only Bluejay in history to have an 800-point season. He had three: 801 (sophomore), 834 (junior), and 934 (senior).

But the single-season record for shot attempts doesn’t belong to Doug; that honor is Bob Portman, who as a junior took 699 field goal attempts. McDermott’s highest total? 627.

McDermott’s 26.69 points per game average as a senior, a mark good enough to push him over the top for the Naismith Trophy and nearly every other major award in college hoops in 2014, is only the second-highest season-long per-game average in school history. Again, Portman beats him, having scored 29.52 points per game as a junior in 1967-68.

Still, Doug’s the best. Thanks to starting for four seasons, playing into the postseason each year, and being the go-to guy night in and night out for his entire career, McDermott is the Creighton career leader in points, field goals made and attempted, three-point field goal percentage, and free throws made. Oh, and he’s third all-time in rebounds, three-pointers made, free throws attempted, and free throw percentage.