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October 17th,
2006
By Joel Welser
Broadcast Basketball
Creighton
Bluejays
Overall Rank:
#26
Conference
Rank:
#2 MVC
2005-06:
20-10, 12-6, 2nd (t)
2005-06
postseason: NIT
 Nate Funk only
saw action in six games for
Creighton last year before
succumbing to a shoulder injury. Even without Funk, who
averaged 17.8 points and 5.1 rebounds two years ago, the Bluejays still managed to tie for second place in a tough MVC
and reach the NIT. With Funk, the expectations are much
higher.
Who’s Out:
Johnny Mathies stepped up with the absence of Funk and averaged
13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists during his senior
campaign. The backcourt will also lose Dominic Bishop who has
opted to transfer. Jeffrey Day and Jimmy Motz were solid
frontcourt options off the bench and little used Steve Smith
will not rejoin the Bluejays for the 2006-2007 campaign.
Who’s In:
Nick Bahe
never saw much action at Kansas, but the 6-3 guard is a high
energy guy who can provide a spark off the bench. Isacc Miles
and D’Angalo Jackson will see some time at the point this year.
Miles, who can also play at the two guard, is the more highly
touted recruit and will see the majority of the backup point
minutes and maybe more. Casey Harriman and Aaron Brandt could
provide some emergency depth on the wing. Kenny Lawson and Ty
Morrison will immediately provide depth to the frontcourt.
Lawson could end up to be a steal for Coach Dana Altman. After
a late growth spurt, the 6-9, 220 pound freshman can contribute
right away. Lawson has a nice touch around the basket and is
athletic enough to run up and down the floor. Morrison has the
experience after spending two years at Redlands Community
College in California. With a little time to adjust, Morrison
will be providing quality depth for Creighton.
Who to Watch:
And
while the frontcourt is talented, it could use the depth of
Lawson and Morrison. Anthony Tolliver improved greatly for his
junior season and averaged 13.2 points and a team high 6.7
boards. With another year of improvement, the 6-9 center is
eyeing first-team all-conference honors. Dane Watts will start
by Tolliver’s side once again and the 6-8 bruiser can step
outside and hit the three ball. Manny Gakou only averaged 3.4
minutes per game in 12 contests last year, but has the potential
to be more effective during his senior campaign.
Final
Projection:
Funk may be the
best player on the team, but the most important player may end
up to be Josh Dotzler. Dotzler missed the last seven games with
a knee injury and there are questions as to whether or not the
point guard will be 100% by the start of the season. After
averaging 6.4 points and 4.2 assists as a freshman, Dotzler saw
his team struggle without him on the floor. Even if he is out
for a while, the return of Funk should make things easier, but
Creighton will need Dotzler healthy to reach the lofty
expectations. Nick Porter returned from injury last year and
averaged 9.6 points and 4.6 rebounds. Porter can hit the long
ball, but the Compton, California product adds a major
rebounding presence to the backcourt. Pierce Hibma managed to
find ten starts last year and will offer an experienced option
off the bench. The Bluejays can live without Dotzler for a
little while, but they need him if Creighton expects big things
in March.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
NCAA
Projected
Starting Five:
Josh Dotzler,
Sophomore, Guard, 6.4 points per game
Nate Funk,
Senior, Guard, 17.0 points per game
Nick Porter,
Senior, Guard, 9.6 points per game
Dane Watts,
Junior, Forward, 7.3 points per game
Anthony
Tolliver, Senior, Center, 13.2 points per game
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