Creighton

[fjm]

Jays by a bunch today. Was gonna be tough with Tyler, but you have to essentially reimagine the offense in two days. The PNR is gonna dry up significantly without a true PG running things. Who else can get separation off the bounce to force help, or kick out to shooters? Would love to be wrong, but I can see this one getting very ugly.

While I can appreciate your feelings... it's time for this kid to show why he was top 100:


PROJECTION
Power-6 Starter
COMPARISON
Marcus Smart
BOSTON CELTICS
Norman is a tough and athletic off guard who plays with tremendous energy and physicality. He is at his best when he is getting downhill and is a strong finisher when attacking the basket. He does a nice job of pulling up and hitting the mid range jumper when driving lanes are cut off but has room to improve as a three-point shooter. Defensively, he has the potential to be one of the top on ball defenders in the class.

[mugrad_89]

All Creighton games come down to how well they shoot - if they're on, they're as tough as anyone.  If not, you have games like they did against St. John's.  I would like to see us ramp up the defensive pressure on them.

[Scoop Snoop]

As long as the defense travels, we should be able to compete. Offense will probably be a challenge for sure.

It's time we use the Brad Davison game plan. Just don't get caught by the refs.

[real chili 83]

We win....by 27.

[HutchwasClutch]

While I can appreciate your feelings... it's time for this kid to show why he was top 100:


PROJECTION
Power-6 Starter
COMPARISON
Marcus Smart
BOSTON CELTICS
Norman is a tough and athletic off guard who plays with tremendous energy and physicality. He is at his best when he is getting downhill and is a strong finisher when attacking the basket. He does a nice job of pulling up and hitting the mid range jumper when driving lanes are cut off but has room to improve as a three-point shooter. Defensively, he has the potential to be one of the top on ball defenders in the class.

The next time he does this will be the first MU nation has seen this skill from him.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Jays by a bunch today. Was gonna be tough with Tyler, but you have to essentially reimagine the offense in two days. The PNR is gonna dry up significantly without a true PG running things. Who else can get separation off the bounce to force help, or kick out to shooters? Would love to be wrong, but I can see this one getting very ugly.

Essentially reimagine the offense? 

The offense will be the same. The execution and effectiveness will be the potential issues. I expect to see more point Oso.

And as someone else said, it likely comes down to how well Creighton is shooting from 3.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

The next time he does this will be the first MU nation has seen this skill from him.

Considering the pull up midrange jumper is not a part of the MU offense this shouldn't be a surprise to MU nation.

[cheebs09]

I'm here for a Chase Ross breakout game.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Jays by a bunch today. Was gonna be tough with Tyler, but you have to essentially reimagine the offense in two days. The PNR is gonna dry up significantly without a true PG running things. Who else can get separation off the bounce to force help, or kick out to shooters? Would love to be wrong, but I can see this one getting very ugly.

On the reverse side, Creighton didn't have time to adjust defensively. Who starts? The obvious answer is Chase (with Kam at PG) but Ross tends to get into early foul trouble and is heads down on offense. Maybe Tre with Stevie running PG? Ben with Jop and Oso? Creighton prepared for Tyler but not the alternatives. 

Maybe this is one MU steals? Certainly Vegas and the rest of us see blow out but this one will be up to MU's balanced class depth. Next man up.

I remember too well the past with Diener out, Dom out or Markus out...here Shaka has Tyler AND Sean out and his balanced class philosophy still has MU within range. That transfer portal fix drug doesn't look as appealing with your two best PGs out now, hey?

[MUfan12]

Essentially reimagine the offense? 

The offense will be the same. The execution and effectiveness will be the potential issues. I expect to see more point Oso.

If they don't adjust anything it's gonna be a mess. It'll have to be more set actions since the on-court chemistry is gonna be a lot different. Where are Kam and Jop gonna get catch and shoot looks? Creighton can play them straight up without Tyler's ability to create.

Like I said, I hope to be very wrong and catch hell for this after the game. But TK is so central to everything MU does offensively that I think this one is a little too soon for them to be able to overcome him not playing.

[Uncle Rico]

Unleash Al

[Tyler COLEk]

MUfan12, COLE Hall of Fame.

[HutchwasClutch]

Considering the pull up midrange jumper is not a part of the MU offense this shouldn't be a surprise to MU nation.

Many of Oso's shots and baskets have been of this variety.  It's not always off the pick and roll for him.

[ATL MU Warrior]

If they don't adjust anything it's gonna be a mess. It'll have to be more set actions since the on-court chemistry is gonna be a lot different. Where are Kam and Jop gonna get catch and shoot looks? Creighton can play them straight up without Tyler's ability to create.

Like I said, I hope to be very wrong and catch hell for this after the game. But TK is so central to everything MU does offensively that I think this one is a little too soon for them to be able to overcome him not playing.

Space the floor (lots of minutes for Brick) and create mismatches that can be exploited by aggressive drives to the basket. Kick out for open 3's if/when help comes. We have the athleticism advantage. Need to aggressively use it.

[HutchwasClutch]

I'm here for a Chase Ross breakout game.

This is much more realistic than hoping on a prayer Norman becomes a major force suddenly.

Chase has played very solid since his injury.  Would be great if he can take it to next level now.  Talent is there to do so.

[Scoop Snoop]

Creighton prepared for Tyler but not the alternative

This is where I am. Shaka knows what to expect from Creighton and, if Kolek was playing, McDermott would know what to expect from Marquette. Although I am still nervous about this game, the surprise factor clearly belongs to Marquette. It just might result in a W.

[Dr. Blackheart]

This is where I am. Shaka knows what to expect from Creighton and, if Kolek was playing, McDermott would know what to expect from Marquette. Although I am still nervous about this game, the surprise factor clearly belongs to Marquette. It just might result in a W.

House money, hey?

[Vander Blue Man Group]

Many of Oso's shots and baskets have been of this variety.  It's not always off the pick and roll for him.

No, they aren't. Oso's push shots in the lane are not midrange shots.

[mug644]

I also don't think Shaka is too fond of the Creighton faithful. Not that I blame him. I'm guessing he will be fired up for this one.

Maybe that's because Nebraska borders Kansas, and we all saw how Shaka feels about Bill Self.

...
I remember too well the past with Diener out, Dom out or Markus out...here Shaka has Tyler AND Sean out and his balanced class philosophy still has MU within range. That transfer portal fix drug doesn't look as appealing with your two best PGs out now, hey?

This current team is better placed to cope with the loss of TWO point guards than either of those teams were to lose ONE point guard.

It's a challenge to be sure, but one that can be overcome.

[Goose]

I think MU wins today. This is a statement game for the season and proving they can win without TK would be a statement. Have felt all season that experience and depth was the strength of the team and I think they show it today.

Will add, this is not a homer post. Shaka has built a culture and it will be tested without TK, but the culture is firmly established.

[Shooter McGavin]

I think MU wins today. This is a statement game for the season and proving they can win without TK would be a statement. Have felt all season that experience and depth was the strength of the team and I think they show it today.

Will add, this is not a homer post. Shaka has built a culture and it will be tested without TK, but the culture is firmly established.

I like it Goose.  And I hope you are right.  Agree that the culture has been established and it is the right time of year to test that theory.  The freshman have had months of practice under their belts and the sophomores have made an obvious leap from last year.  Let's get it done boys!   Go MU!

[dgies9156]

I think MU wins today. This is a statement game for the season and proving they can win without TK would be a statement. Have felt all season that experience and depth was the strength of the team and I think they show it today.

Will add, this is not a homer post. Shaka has built a culture and it will be tested without TK, but the culture is firmly established.

First person up talking sense!

Injuries are part of the game. But we are a damn Top 5 team. We will act like it.


Get well Tyler and next man up!!!'

[JakeBarnes]

I think MU wins today. This is a statement game for the season and proving they can win without TK would be a statement. Have felt all season that experience and depth was the strength of the team and I think they show it today.

Will add, this is not a homer post. Shaka has built a culture and it will be tested without TK, but the culture is firmly established.

I am with you on this feeling, Goose. Time to grind and shine.

[wisblue]

I think it's very likely that the offense will struggle today without Kolek.

There are going to be several players who are going to have to play more minutes and/or take on different roles.

MU has not had much time to practice an offense that does not include Kolek's ability to drive to the basket and either finish or dish off. I think the relatively open shots around the basket and wide open catch and shoot threes are going to be harder to come by.

Fortunately Creighton doesn't have the kind of athletes that can suffocate the offense like UConn did to MU. But I think MU's ability to keep this game close is going to depend on defense and CU not going off on threes like they do on occasion.

[wisblue]

We shouldn't forget that today is Creighton's Senior Day so that should be worth about 10 extra points for the Jays.