…and so it begins: Hawkins kicks it off!

The end of a successful 2020-21 Season has come and gone. The Jays have weathered several changes thus far. All five starters have decided to move on, whether via graduation (3), entering the NBA Draft (3) and one surprise transfer. Two of our walk-on players have also opted to move on, in hopes of securing a position at a lower level school, so they can get some PT. Good luck to all.

Additionally, 2 assistant coaches have moved on to better paying? positions. Coach Lusk back to Purdue and Coach Rencher to Oklahoma State. Good luck to both of these fine coaches. We wish them well.

Creighton has since hired replacement coaches in Jalen Courtney-Williams (from Miss St/McNeese St) and Ryan Miller (from TCU). Coach Williams is a young upstart with strong recruiting background and identifies with players. Coach Miller is more experienced, with several stops and is a very strong recruiter. He is also Mason’s uncle with ties to South Dakota and this area. Jays are also talking with HOF Jay Coach Ben Walker. Hopefully, we can fill a position with Ben, and welcome him back home.

To begin with Commit Mason Miller signed his LOI recently during the Spring signing period. This was a foregone conclusion as Mason has been and continued to be a solid commit. As we all know TyTy Washington moved on. So the Jays have 3 signed Frosh commits in Miller, Ryan Nembhard, and John Christofilis. Miller and Nembhard are both Top 100 at 247, Rivals, and ESPN. Christofilis is the best pure shooter in the country and grossly underrated.

The Jays have been extremely active during this period. Making numerous offers in the 2021, 22, 23, and 2024 classes. The coaches have also been beating the bushes in the gigantic Transfers Portal, making select offers to both bigs and guards. The Jays also have a couple of tricks up their sleeves…stay tuned.

The 1st transfer to bear fruit is a great one. D2 PoY for the D2 Champion NW Missouri St., PF Ryan Hawkins. 6-7/220. 2020-21: 54% 2pt, 46% 3pt, 76% FT (176). Avg’d 22.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg, with 73 assists. Hawkins is a winner with 3 Nattys in his 4 years at NWMS. He hails from nearby Atlantic, Iowa. Being close to home was a key factor. He gained offers from several D1 schools including KU and the Jays.

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/sports/high-school/recruiting/2021/04/28/cyclones-hawkeyes-recruiting-division-ii-transfer-iowa-native-ryan-hawkins-northwest-missouri-state/7382783002/

Welcome to the Hilltop Ryan.

Hawkins is the 1st of several to come this Spring. #RollDamnJays!