2006 Creighton Bluejays Basketball Preview

2006 Creighton Bluejays Basketball Predictions

Last season the Creighton Bluejays (20- 10 overall and 12- 6 in the MVC) managed to earn a three-way tie for second place in their league. They found themselves in the NIT, where they made it to round two, losing to Miami 53- 52. Although last year’s star guard Johnny Mathies (13.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.7 APG) is gone, the Bluejays have plenty of talent to fill that gap.

Guard Nate Funk (17.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.3 APG), a fine three-point shooter, missed the second half of last season with a major shoulder injury. Funk, who was cleared to play in April, is an All-American candidate whose healthy presence is essential to Creighton’s success. Senior guard Nick Porter (9.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.1 APG) is ready to score points but also needs to show better judgment with the ball. Guard Josh Dotzier (6.4 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 4.2 APG) will be an important part of this team if he can come back from an injury sustained in May. Guard depth will be found via freshmen D’Angalo Jackson and Issac Miles.

Center Anthony Tolliver (13.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.4 APG) can block shots, menace opponents and hit in the paint. This potent inside force is joined by Dane Watts (7.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 0.8 APG)— a fine three-point threat. Community college recruit Ty Morrison will provide additional punch upfront.

Coach Dana Altman (238- 130 in 12 years), who has five returning starters plus a very strong class of new players, knows that if Dotzier has problems his team will be in dire straights. Thus, if Dotzier can’t perform, look for one of the many backups to take over.

Last year, the NCAA passed up Creighton for the second time in the past three seasons. This is an exceptionally strong team. Not only should they go to the NCAA tourney but if everyone is healthy, they will go deep into March Madness.

If you want more info on the 2006 Creighton Bluejays College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check view other mid major previews from MadduxSports.com of universities like the Gonzaga Bulldogs and George Mason Patriots.