I'm grateful for all the coaches that recruited me throughout this process but with that being said I'm excited to announce that I've decided to spend my last year of college basketball playing for Coach McDermott at Creighton University! @BluejayMBBpic.twitter.com/IDvsDET0aO
– VERY athletic when he wants to be. – He can get a lot of high quality shots inside with his baby hook without getting blocked – Has a nice spin move from the midrange – Experienced – MONSTER ON OFFENSIVE GLASS🔥
Creighton was flying under the radar with looks to sign a few bigs for the 2021-22 campaign. There were a few irons in the fire evaluating transfer bigs. Just when it looked as though Feazell was about to pull the trigger for UTEP, the Jays stepped in and secured the big man. As stated in the article above, KeyShawn is well-traveled, with 3 years at Mississippi State and one at McNeese State. He is smart, experienced, well-traveled, and adds tremendous team play – adds depth to the pivot for the Jays.
His numbers are delineated in the WBR article and numerous other sources. I will just add that his experience is the most highly valued aspect he brings to the CU Team Table. KeyShawn fills the glaring gap at the five and is a highly welcomed addition to the team. KeyShawn and Ryan K should make a very good pair of centers to keep the competition honest. There are no more holes to fill, as Team Creighton has reloaded.
Back on May 11th I detailed the saga of the U of Illinois offering “Big Bucks” to lure away Creighton’s Lead Recruiter, Coach Alan Huss. Little did I know it was a bigger deal than that.
Today, Coach Mac Tweeted out that Coach Huss is staying on the Hilltop. His tweet was shortly followed by a tweet and short article blurb by 247Jays.com. According to an article and tweet by 247Jays.com –
The 247 tweet implies several schools – not just the Illini – had reached out to Coach Huss.
As I had detailed back on the 11th, Illinois had offered a boatload of Dinar to lure coach away from Omaha. The Illini offer was the only public offer known to be on the table. Jays fans, although sensing a positive outcome were wondering what was taking so long for an announced outcome. Many thought there would be no announcement and proceed on/business as usual. Today marks the first indication that other suitors were in the mix for Coach Huss. It should be noted, that 247 offered no information regarding these other schools that were reportedly involved.
Bottom Line: Huss is a top level recruiter and an excellent coach. I am just pleased as punch that AD Bruce Rassmussen dipped into the McDuck Bin and scooped up enough cash and benefits to keep Alan Huss aboard as a key element of our basketball program. It is home and he wanted to stay. Next time, the circumstances may be different with a differing outcome. But this time it was imperative to hold serve and retain a critical asset, as we strive towards our program goals. As coach and recruiter, Coach Huss is worth twice whatever it cost to keep him!
Alan Huss photo
We are not Lil’ Creighton anymore. We wear Big-boy pants now and as such gotta “pay the costs to be the boss”. HR continuity, protecting the program, and retaining key assets are integral parts of corporate Continuity of Operations plans. Time to develop a separate bucket for these types of contingencies.
This is a great lesson, as it probably will not be the last time a football fiver will come at us. Way to step up to the plate Fr. Hendrickson and AD Bruce Rassmussen, to protect homeplate. Being Hilltop Administrators… I know it hurts a bit as Creighton is close with its’ money. But in this case, it’s money & benefits well spent. Tip o the hat to ya – another feather in your bonnet!
Bluenotes 