1^st of all, Welcome to Creighton University and the Hilltop.  Hopefully you will use this time wisely and build your education well.  Creighton is (one of) the Best university(ies) in the US.  Education is more than what is in the books…diversify your interests, ask questions, use all of the faculty, facilities, and staff to broaden your base, amplify or correct what you currently know, and grow into a well-rounded, diverse, and curious human being.

Be aware that learning never stops – degrees are merely mileposts – stay open to learning, to growth, and then give of yourself to make this a better world – Serve others.  Success is in observing/finding what is missing in the current environment, building the idea into a reality, and amending the results of that reality so as it becomes a benefit to as many other people as possible.  In whatever you choose to do, if you modify it so that it benefits others as well as yourself, you Will be successful.

You are what is known as a bread and butter player for CU hoops.  Prior to our ascent to the BE, 2 and 3 star players were our forte.  Finding and developing under evaluated, under recruited, unknown, or guys out in Podunk, diamonds in-the-rough, was a Creighton tradition.  Our coaching staff has a 20+ year history of finding guys who were overlooked and under estimated.  The vast majority of our “all-time” players, including the great Doug McDermott (Bulls), Kyle Korver (Hawks), Anthony Tolliver (Kings), Rodney Buford (former 76er), and hoards of others fit this bill of fare.  Listen to the coaches – they know what they are doing.  You have been added to this team to help win Championships – no other reason.  Be prepared Boy Scout, be prepared.

An athletic program &/or team is like the body:   All parts and pieces are essential for it to perform to it’s optimum.  No one piece or person is necessarily greater, as all are important to the whole.  The whole is the sum, but it is also greater than the parts.  The program/team comes 1^st.  Team success takes precedence over personal success, and when the team exceeds expectations – all gain and will garner the benefits, rewards, and awards.  Winning championships – exempt tourneys, the Big East, and the NCAA Championship – are the program goals.

Team 1^st!  When your time comes – do your part.