2008 Creighton Blue Jays Basketball Preview

The Creighton Bluejays (22- 11 overall, 10- 8 Missouri Valley) made it to the NIT after a fourth-place conference finish. At the NIT, they defeated Rhode Island 74- 73 in round one and then lost to Florida 82- 54 in the second game. Overall, it was a solid year for the Bluejays, which put a young team on the court. Coach Dana Altman’s team is still young, but they do return a host of sophomores that have seen a wealth of experience.

Leading rebounder forward Dane Watts is gone. Along with averaging 6.4 RPG, he also posted 11.3 PPG. The frontcourt will feature junior forward Chad Millard (18.2 MPG, 4.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 0.6 APG). Miller, who has the most experience of any returning guy upfront, will be the foundation around the rim. Sophomores Kenny Lawson (15.4 MPG, 5.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 0.2 APG) and Kenton Walker (7.2 MPG, 2.2 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 0.2 APG) will also start. Lawson, who plays center, was named to the All-Freshman Missouri Valley Conference team. He hit 54.6% of his shots last season.

The guard spots are deep. The Bluejays are known for offering tight and tough defense and this squad will do just that. Sophomore guard P’Allen Stinnett (24.4 MPG, 12.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.8 APG) is one of the finest athletes in the league. He’ll make All-Conference and will vie for Player of the Year honors. Senior guard Booker Woodfox (17.4 MPG, 9.6 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 1.3 APG) was a dynamic scorer off the bench last season. Against conference opponents, he hit 49.3% of his shots from downtown. Senior point guard Josh Dotzler (21.3 MPG, 3.4 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 3.6 APG) has been slowed by injuries, but he’s a tough competitor and an aggressive and skilled defender. Junior college transfer Justin Carter adds even more depth to an already deep backcourt.

The Creighton Bluejays have posted 10 straight 20-plus-win seasons and 11 straight post-season appearances. This season they will notch their 11th and 12th straight 20-plus and post-season performances. The team possesses a lot of talent that will take them into the NCAA Tournament. Look for the Bluejays to post a victory in round one and be out by round two.