A mixed palette of points here, today.

Big boy pants…  Folks here and BJB need to brace themselves now. Within the next several weeks our Jays are about to rise into the Top 10 in the country – maybe sooner.  Whether or not we/you/me or anyone else thinks they “deserve” such lofty rankings.  BJU normal will not affect pollsters who base their votes on results and beauty.  Be prepared.

Some may be shocked, some scared, others may want to deny that CU could be “that good”, etc.  The good folk at the OWH are maintaining a stance of guarded, but laudatory comments.  There are inferred undertones that they (OWH & BTL pundits) expect the Jays floor to collapse under the weight of expectations.   We shall see what unfolds as the season progresses.

As a Division 1 – major conference team with a several returning vets, a talented roster, and a good experience level, it is reasonable to expect to be noticed, and possibly ranked in the polls.  Add to that a fast start, an upset of a top 10 team, winning an early season tourney, and you have a recipe for either entering the polls – or if ranked – rising rapidly up the polls.

This level of attention, recognition, and notoriety is one of several reasons why we wanted to be a major to begin with.  When coupled with membership in the best basketball conference, the ability to gain better or higher rated recruits, advantages in scheduling, being included in the nightly highlight footage and scores scroll, a participant in the national hoops discussion, and possibly a legitimate candidate in the national championship race, yes…it is good for Creighton to be a part of Big Boy basketball.

Don’t be afraid.  There is nothing to fear.  Creighton has already overpaid our dues, toiled patiently for decades, and built up our program for success.  Now we are finally admitted into the major ranks.  We have a very good team that can possibly contend for national honors and recognition.  It’s time to turn up our efforts a notch or 2, time to take our second wind, and start knocking balls out of the park.  Time to show not only that “we can hang”, but that we will Thrive!

No fear – Roll Jays!

 

Paradise Jam postscript… Sitting in the bleachers at the PJam on Championship night. A loudmouth local was talking Big Sh_t early in the game as Ole Miss was shaking the Jays.  I recognised him – cheering for the underdog, any underdog, against the big-bad ranked team.  I was him for decades.

We (Creighton) are now them…the team that for decades we battled hard against…a Major that everyone wants to beat.  Folks will circle the date and pray to whatever God they have for the upset (see: IPFW over Indiana).  It’s a new era fellas.

Little Creighton is dead.  Long live big, tough Creighton!

 

Zach’s foot injury…  Zach’s foot injury could sideline him for 3-4 months according to Coach Mac.
Creighton Basketball‏ @BluejayMBB
BREAKING: Creighton coach Greg McDermott announces Zach Hanson tore a tendon and some ligaments in left ankle, could miss several months.
1:24
5:12 PM · Nov 23, 2016

Other… Belated sucking up to the Big East by ESPN’s Andy Katz.  http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=18121835

Yo @20Tugs, be a Creighton Bluejay.  Fulfill your destiny and help the Jays win a Natty!

Bleacher Report – Week 3 poll winners post on the Jays.  http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2677363-winners-and-losers-of-ap-college-basketball-top-25-poll-in-week-3/page/4

 

White and Blue Review’s – Paradise Jam highlight reel.  http://whiteandbluereview.com/highlight-reel-creighton-beats-washington-state-nc-state-ole-miss-to-claim-paradise-jam-title/

 

Creighton had rolled through the 1st two rounds of the Paradise Jam, here in St. Thomas, USVI.  Many were assuming that trend would continue.  The University of Mississippi Rebels had other ideas.

Coach Andy Kennedy and his team aggressively rebounded the defensive glass and played hard nosed defense in slowing the pace of the game.  They added to the issue with both Rasheed Brooks (16) and Deondre Burton (11) getting hot early.  The Rebels led in 2nd chance points by a margin of 17-4 and rebounds by 26-11.

Creighton was hitting treys, but was only 7of 23 from 2pt land.  Fortunately the Jays didn’t panic and Marcus kept the score managible by scoring 15 points in the half.  The Jays closed to 46-40 at the half.

The Jays played better defensively after the break, and a good spurt from 16:30 to 13:35 closed the gap back to five points.  A 2nd spurt from 12:40 to 8:40 and CU took the lead at 70-68.  Toby had three big 3pters in this stretch including the shot for the lead.  After 2 following ties, Khyri nailed the door on the Rebels with a traditional 3 pt play, a 3pter, and FTs to allow the Jays to pull away at the end.  Final score CU 86-77 over Mississippi.

Win the games you’re supposed to win, and steal a few you’re not supposed to win.  Creighton found the heart, resolve, and determination to weather a early bad shooting spell and an aggressive and encouraged opponent, to tough out the win. Games such as this – grinding while not playing our A-game, are character builders.  Every opponent this season will be giving the Jays their best shot – bidding for the upset.  Creighton passed this 1st test with an A…there will be other tests along the way.

Nice win Bluejays.  Keep grinding!

Marcus was PJ MVP.   Cole made the PJ All Tourney Team

CU tied the Paradise Jam single game assist record, both team (25) & individual (Mo-13).

Jays set Paradise Jam records for assists (64), field goal percentage (.569), three-point field goal percentage (.543), and points (301).

WBR’s Paradise Jam highlights:  http://whiteandbluereview.com/highlight-reel-creighton-beats-washington-state-nc-state-ole-miss-to-claim-paradise-jam-title/

LE: CTR Zach Hanson out…  http://www.omaha.com/creighton/mens-basketball/just-recovered-from-offseason-knee-surgery-jays-zach-hanson-out/article_87ca5a93-62a6-572a-b7f8-a291e3dfd8bf.html