Three more to go…

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Creighton signed both of its early commits on the 1st day of the early signing period. Both PG Ryan Nembhard and SG John Christofilis inked their commitment papers today.

Nembhard is a 4* PG from Canada, by way of Monteverde Academy in Florida. Christofilis is a 3* SG from Seattle, O’dea HS.

Coach Mac said:
“We are thrilled to add Ryan Nembhard and John Christofilis to our basketball program,” said Creighton head coach Greg McDermott. “First and foremost both young men are of high character.  Additionally, they have skills to flourish in our up-tempo system. Ryan’s ability to make other players better and John’s ability to stretch the floor will help us immediately in our quest to compete for BIG EAST Championships. Both players come from elite high school programs and top-notch club programs. They have been developed and coached at an elite level and they have competed for and won championships. We cannot wait for them to get to campus and join their teammates.”

Creighton has the potential to land an all-time class for 2021. The Jays are in the thick of the battle for 3 more substantial recruits. 5* CG Hunter Sallis of Omaha – 247 #6, and 2 4* players. 247 #64, PF Mason Miller of Germantown, Tennessee and 247 #57 PG TyTy Washington of Chandler, AZ.

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The signing of Nembhard and Christofilis gets the class of 2021 off to a great start.

Roll Damn Jays!

Jays debut at 11th

The new 2020-21 AP Preseason poll came out on Monday, 9 November 2020. As per normal it features the usual suspects in the writers preseason beauty contest. Unusually though, it includes Omaha’s Jays in the mix.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/college-basketball-rankings-gonzaga-ranked-no-1-in-preseason-ap-top-25-poll-ahead-of-no-2-baylor/

Creighton debuts this year in the poll at 11th, their highest ever preseason ranking. A veteran team who returns 4 of 5 starters, 5 of their 6 highest scorers, and a excellent supporting cast. Jays are consensus 2nd place pick in the Big East.

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/college-basketball-rankings-gonzaga-ranked-no-1-in-preseason-ap-top-25-poll-ahead-of-no-2-baylor/

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/college-basketball-rankings-the-most-overrated-and-underrated-teams-in-the-preseason-ap-top-25-poll/

CBS’ eye on College Basketball podcast thinks the Bluejays are amongst the underrated teams in the poll, listing the Jays at 9th (with a prediction of end of season 7th standing).

https://megaphone.link/CBS7261349102

Most of the talk centers on Marcus, Mitch, and Denzel, though mentions of others is included. CU also features size this season with the return of Jake Epperson and impact frosh, the shot blocking phenom Ryan Kalkbrenner. One interesting aspect was whether or not the lack of fans would impact the Jays homecourt advantage? CU has ruled out fans to start the season. I don’t see that as a particular disadvantage given this franchises’ history of fast starts and its’ offensive punching power.

More surprisingly is the lack of a 3rd Big East team in the Top 25. No Seton Hall nor Providence, which are the favored picks for 3rd in the conference. Both the SEC and Pac-12, the 5th and 6th ranked conferences respectively, have 3 teams in the preseason poll, while the BE only has 2.

Roll Damn Jays!