Creighton Hoops Embarks on a New Era: Rebuilding with Transfers and Freshmen

Creighton University's basketball program is entering a new chapter, as head coach Greg McDermott faces the challenge of replacing key contributors from last season's Sweet 16 squad. With the departure of Baylor Scheierman, Trey Alexander, and Francisco Farabello, McDermott must find a way to fill the gaps and build a cohesive team for the upcoming season.

Creighton's Roster Overhaul: Blending Transfers and Promising Freshmen

Replacing Departed Stars: A Daunting Task

The Bluejays are tasked with replacing almost half of the minutes played by last year's Sweet 16 team. McDermott acknowledges the significant holes that need to be filled, stating, "Obviously we have some returning pieces, but we have gaps and holes to fill." The departures of Scheierman, Alexander, and Farabello have left a void in the wing positions, and the coaching staff will be closely evaluating the new additions to the roster to determine who will step up and fill those roles.

Transfers Bring Experience and Potential

In an effort to bolster the roster, Creighton has brought in two impact transfers in Pop Isaacs and Jamiya Neal. Both players were starters at their previous schools, Texas Tech and Arizona State, respectively. While their shooting percentages from beyond the arc were not particularly efficient last season, McDermott believes that their numbers don't tell the whole story. "If you dig deep enough, there were some shots they were really efficient at if they took the right shots," he said. The coach is confident that with the right system and decision-making, Isaacs and Neal can become more efficient scorers and contribute significantly to the team's success.

Freshmen Class Offers Promising Talent

Alongside the transfer additions, Creighton has also welcomed a talented four-man freshmen class, including Jackson McAndrew, Ty Davis, Larry Johnson, and Fedor Zugic. McDermott is excited about the opportunities these young players will have to make an impact. "They're going to get opportunities," he said. "Losing Baylor, Trey and [Farabello], those guys took all of our minutes at the wing, so someone new is going to be there." The coaching staff will be closely monitoring the development of these freshmen and evaluating how they can best integrate into the team's system.

Jasen Green's Offseason Transformation

One of the key returning players for Creighton is Jasen Green, who carved out a role in the rotation during the NCAA Tournament last season. Green has been incredibly motivated this offseason, telling 6 News that the experience of the Sweet 16 loss to Tennessee has lit a fire under him. "This is probably the most work I've put into any offseason so far just because of how much I want it this year," Green said. The Omaha native has also lost 15 pounds since leaving Detroit and has emphasized improving his three-point shooting. McDermott is confident that Green's offseason dedication will translate to a significant jump in his skillset and overall game.

Preseason Preparations and Charity Exhibition

As the Bluejays embark on their preseason preparations, the focus remains on forming a cohesive team and finding the right pieces to replace the departed stars. McDermott acknowledges that every team is unique and different, and the next six weeks will be crucial in determining the identity of this year's squad. Creighton will have the opportunity to showcase their progress in a charity exhibition game against Purdue on October 26, providing an early glimpse into the team's potential for the upcoming season.