Div 1 Basketball – Recruiting

Frosh Recruits PG Rati & PF Modestas: Official

Folks have been discussing the arrivals of Frosh recruits Rati Andronikashvili and Modestas Kancleris, and whether they will have trouble getting into the U.S. Immigration has been a tough nut to crack during the current administration, with the Covid-19 pandemic making matters worse. Back on August 4th, in an Omaha World Herald article, Coach Mac anticipated the duo making it into Omaha late. Rati & Modestas will also have to endure a 2 week isolation upon their arrival. The main thing is that they arrive in the Big O.

https://omaha.com/sports/college/creighton/creighton-coach-greg-mcdermott-expecting-delayed-arrival-for-two-new-international-players/article_0c573584-51f3-59d5-8b32-9679027ebd95.html

Earlier this week (Thursday), Tim Krueger of BluejayBanter.com, stated the new euro recruits were expected in on Friday, Aug 21st. Everyone (fans) is/are hoping that will be the case.

Confirmed: Both Rati and Modestas are on campus in Omaha.

RDJ (Roll darned Jays)! 😉

PG Ryan Nembhard of MVA Commits to Creighton.

Nembhard_Commit — Courtesy – Tipton Edits

The Jays strike early with their initial 2021 commit. Monteverde Academy’s Junior PG Ryan Nembhard (4-Star) commited today to Creighton University. Coach Mac and staff have been recruiting Ryan since the Spring of this year. Ryan had moved up to the 2021 Class earlier this year. He (Ryan) took a virtual visit to the Hilltop in May, but according to an article on Stockrisers an early commit was not expected. https://stockrisers.com/2020/05/12/four-star-junior-ryan-nembhard-talks-recruitment/

Ryan not only plays for MVA, but also on the Nike EYBL Circuit with UPlay Canada, and also with the Canadian U16 FIBA team. https://247sports.com/Article/Ryan-Nembhard-Creighton 147928342/#:~:text=Ryan%20Nembhard%20is%20the%20younger,commitment%20of%20the%202021%20Class.

“I just felt like from the jump I had a great relationship with coach McDermott and the rest of the coaching staff,” he said. “They also have a great play style that really fits me. I feel like I can contribute early and get a lot better with there player development.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7IEpmD6_aM

2019 Highlight video

The Jays had been looking for another point guard for 2021 to augment the potential loss of Marcus Zegarowski after this season. Now they have 2 in Ryan Nembhard and 2020’s Rati Andronikashvili. Andronikashvili, at 6-5 can play both guard spots.

https://247sports.com/college/basketball/recruiting/Article/Creighton-basketball-recruiting-Ryan-Nembhard-commitment-evaluation-147928615/

https://www.omaha.com/sports/college/creighton/recruiting-2021-point-guard-ryan-nembhard-commits-to-creighton/article_1b3a8da2-c435-5738-8fff-26f511f1eff3.html

Nembhard is a great pickup for Creighton and their first for 2021. The Jays have 2 more open scholies for 2021, three if Zegarowski leaves early. The 2021 recruiting cycle has the makings of a great class for the Jays and the Ryan Nembhard commitment gets this class off to a great start. Congrats to Coach Mac and staff for their tireless work in securing Ryan for the Hilltop.