Bluejays without an identity

Creighton is six games into the season and to this point they have no offensive identity. The problem was created by an influx of capable athletes that the Jays added in the offseason. You now have about ten guys who have the talent or athleticism to be on the court, but not everyone knows their place.

If you ask me, the optimal starting lineup this point would be as follows:
5 - Kenny Lawson
4 - Wayne Runnels
3 - Justin Carter
2 - Daryl Ashford
1 - Antoine Young

It's likely you don't agree with this for two reasons. One is that there are plenty of other combinations that one could argue and the other is that P'Allen Stinnet is not on the list.

Let me start by saying that I would replace Ashford with Stinnet if he deserved it, or once he deserved it. But up until now, Stinnet has too often dropped easy passes and taken poor shots while leading in minutes per game. He contributes by getting steals, rebounds and driving, but until this becomes a focus, I wouldn't start him. In fact, I think Altman feels obligated to play him to deter a tantrum. I know he'll improve as the season progresses, but he should not be sitting behind the arc taking more three's than anyone else when the team needs someone to get to the line and score inside. He needs to stay away from the perimeter and let the majority of shots from there come from better shooters. Once that happens, I think he should replace Ashford, who I think is impressive offensively.

Antoine Young struggled in the Iona game, but I still feel he's the best overall PG. With so many scoring options this year, it's important to have someone on the floor to manage the ball. This is why I think Korver gets so much playing time. He especially needs to play when Witter is at the point because he has such a scorers mentality. Korver had a few rare turnovers in the tournament, but he moves the ball as well as anyone on the team.

Agree/disagree? What's your ideal lineup for the NU game?

Mid-season analysis

It's been awhile, but I wanted to comment on where Creighton is at so far this season. I've been able to see almost all of their games online and even attended their devastating loss against a solid Illinois State team.

The Bluejays are having a Jekyll and Hyde-type season thus far. In some bouts they look like a legitimate top 30 team. The common denominators in these wins are good play by Lawson and outrebounding the other team.

In other games, I want to cover my eyes so I can at least imagine that its not really happening. These are the games where the Jays get completely blown out in rebounding and try to get back into the game by launching a three-pointer with 25 seconds on the game clock.

Coach Altman has been preaching it all year long. They need to find an identity and at least be competitive in rebounding. Lawson needs to really improve for the Jays to be successful down the stretch, in my opinion. Three or four rebounds per game and turn-around baseline hooks aren't going to cut it. I'd love to see him outrebound Justin Carter for once and go at the rim on offense. I'm not trying to put it all on his shoulders, I'm just saying that I think it needs to happen for them to make it to the Big Dance. I think he can do it.

Luckily, guys like Booker Woodfox, Kaleb Korver and Case Harriman are stepping up huge this year. Stinnett has had some obvious difficulties this year, but he's always good for some steals and rebounds. I think he shoots too many three's and doesn't attack the rim as often as he should. When you have other great shooters in the game, there's no need for him to force up shots when he could drive and score or kick it out. It's almost like he expects to be the leading scorer on the team, so he feels pressured to put up poor shots. I think he'll come out of this, he's just young and trying to still figure things out. There's absolutely nothing wrong with P'Allen scoring 12 points with a few assists. Let Booker take the bulk of the three's.

That's my two cents. We'll see how they perform down the stretch. I'm confident that coach Altman and the Jays will continue strong and we'll keep seeing Stinnet and Lawson improve, which is scary for other teams in the Valley.

Bluejay basketball news

Thanks for reading my blog. Unfortunately, I moved to Chicago and have minimal access to Bluejay news. However, if you're looking for updated, inside information on Creighton Bluejay basketball, I suggest you visit this Creighton Bluejay basketball blog.

Go Jays!

A look back at the 2008 season

The 2008 season for Creighton basketball was one of ups and downs. We saw glimpses into what the next season could be with promising talent like Cavel Witter, P'Allen Stinnet and Booker Woodfox. Unfortunately for the fans and players like Dane Watts, we had to witness the growing pains. Although Dane Watts didn't have the type of year that many of us hoped for, he will be missed in the Bluejay program. He was a fierce competitor and a role model for young players. Guards look plentiful for the 2008 season, but the PF position is one that will need some development.

Cavel Witter and Josh Dotzler make an interesting point guard combination. Witter is a better scorer with quickness and instincts. Dotzler is the better defender of the two and does a better job of controlling the tempo of the game. I would expect to see Witter play a majority of the minutes next year, but both will probably see the court often. Since his injuries, Dotzler has never returned to the form he was in as a Freshman. Witter has the ability to take over games with his offense, but he can also be out of control. Hopefully, they both improve over the off-season. If so, Creighton should be very solid at the point guard position.

At the 5-spot, Kenton Walker and Kenny Lawson should provide solid play as well. They both now have a season's worth of experience under their belts and look like legitimate threats in the Valley next year.

At the 2 and 3 positions, I would expect to see a lot of Stinnet and Woodfox. Both had outstanding season and will be looked upon to carry the offense. Korver should see increased playing time and newcomers Josh Jones and Antoine Young could provide some play as well.

Expect Creighton to be one of the top three teams in the Missouri Valley Conference next season. They return a more experienced team with loads of talent. If players like JUCO transfer Xavier keeling can contribute right away, the Jays should have a great shot at advancing to the Big Dance in 2009 season.

Stay tuned for off-season information on the Creighton Bluejays including recruiting and injury reports...

Jays win a wild one, Witter scores 42

After a wild finish in a defeat of Bradley on Saturday, the Bluejays men's basketball team is poised to make a run in the Arch Madness tournament is St. Louie. Creighton will kick-off the tournament with a rematch against Bradley on Friday. Bradley finished the season with a 17-14 overall record and 9-9 in the conference. The game will be televised by Fox Sports Net at 2:35.

In Saturday's win over the Braves, Cavel Witter went ballistic, scoring 42 points. The performance was a record for points scored in a contest at the Qwest by a single player. Josh Dotzler's playing time may take a dive after this, especially if the Jays are falling behind again. I would still expect Dotzler to start, but next season Witter should get the nod.