Creighton Media Day

Creighton had their own media day yesterday.  The Omaha World-Herald again did a nice article today on Booker Woodfox.  The Senior will be a sparkplug for this team and I think will benefit the most from the moving back of the 3-point line.

But the AP story going around the different news outlets today is about Creighton reviving the pressure defense:

Creighton basketball coach Dana Altman hopes to resuscitate the Bluejays’ pressure defense this season.

The Bluejays return 10 experienced players, including three starters, from last season’s 22-11 team.

Altman likes to create turnovers with the press — something that hasn’t happened as much as he would have liked the past couple years.

Altman said the press “lost some of its pop” because of injury or depth problems.

He says it might take some time, but he believes the press will be back as a key component in the Bluejays’ game.

I think this is great and I have always been excited to see this type of defense come back and this team has the athleticism to make this happen.  When Kyle Korver was a senior, the full court press and pressure defense created such dividends that made the game really exciting and really got the crowd pumping at the old Civic Auditorium.  There have been some times of pandamonium at the Qwest Center, but not to the level that was attained for the full season in 2002-2003.  The pressure/full court defense helped create that excitement.  If the Jays are able to sustain a similar scheme this year, teams better look out.

Open House–No Flash, but exciting

Tonight was the first chance to see the 2008-09 Jays in action for the fans as they had an open house at the Qwest Center and a live practice with the team.  Luckily I had the chance to go and take it in.  What I was surprised about was the crowd waiting at the escalators to get into the open house at around 5:30.  Fans streamed up the stairs to see the practice.   I would say that there were about 1000-1500 people there as the lower bowl had a decent amount of people and a lot of people were sort of walking around all over to see what seats were still available for the upcoming season.

The team did some weave drills and some offensive sets.  What was great about these was that it really took all of the players and they seemed to be all rotated in and mixed up so different looks were on the floor.  It was a mix between some half-court sets and some full court movement.

But as the offensive set practice was over with then it was on to several 3 minute scrimmages with what appeared to be the “first team” against the rest.  The first team seemed to consist of a rotation that included Josh Dotzler, P’Allen Stinnett, Booker Woodfox, Justin Carter, Chad Millard and Kenny Lawson.  So although I considered that maybe Casey Harriman would be in that starting rotation when I was predicting starting lineups, I would probably lean now towards 5 of the 6 mentioned above though Casey was working hard and getting several great comments his way.

Some new energy was in the house tonight watching Justin Carter play.  He definitely looked as advertised. He was flying around the court, driving to the basket, shooting threes and diving for loose balls.  He probably got the biggest Ohh-Ahh of the night when he swatted away a sure layup by one of the other players on a fast break.  However, the one area that appears might be an issue is free throws, so it will be interesting to see how that turns out.

I would have expected to see Josh Dotzler and Booker Woodfox sort of tired with the trip to St. Louis earlier in the day and then back in town for the evening practice.  Actually Josh looked really energized and seemed to lead the team well, though Booker did seem a little tired, especially shooting and trying to get open.  He had a real tough time getting free for the open look and then when he did get a shot it was a little off.  However, it was a big day for the both of them, so I totally understand that.

Now maybe I haven’t looked at P’Allen’s tattoos enough, but after taking some pictures tonight, I noticed that he has a bleeding 1 on the back of his left arm and a bleeding 0 on the back of his other arm probably noting his #10 jersey.  Anyway it looked kind of cool and a friend of mine provided me with the picture.

One of the bigger cheers of the night was towards the end of practice when the team was doing wind sprints back and forth on the court.  Big man Kenton Walker wowed the crowd by blowing the competition away in the beginning, but a the end P’Allen caught up and ended up finishing first.

Kaleb Korver looked pretty good as well tonight.  He won the set of wind sprints in the group before and had a great pace to distance himself from everyone else in the group.  He definitely has put on some extra strength and as others have noted does look a little taller.  Still a sweet shot from outside.

Freshman looked like freshman as Josh Jones and Antoine Young at times looked like they were struggling and learning to make the right decisions a Coach Altman was telling them to make “simple plays” and asking “why did you take that crazy shot?” But they are on the learning curve and I think they will be fine.

After the scrimmages were over, the team went through full court sprints passing the ball and making shots on the run which they were running their shoes off and I guess part of being able to be a good transition team is to make shots on the run.  Not as many shots were going in during the scrimmage part, but during this time most shots were going in.

As far as the rest of the guys go, you could tell Cavel was having some issues with his ankle that he injured last week in practice, but is working really hard to do the same thing as the rest of the team.  Chad Millard was kind of quiet as far as I could tell, nothing really stuck out about him.  Our favorite walk-on Dusty Sitzmann was not at practice. At the end of practice fans were invited down to get autographs from their favorite Jays player.

All in all it was a fun evening even with no “glitz” but it would have been nice.  It looks like more season tickets were sold as well, probably around 150 from what I heard.  But it is good to get the juices going to get excited about the season.

Valley Media Day–Part 3

Thanks to Big Sports 590, Matt Perrault was able to do interviews with several Jays today which really made media day interesting and something to get excited about.

He had a great interview with Booker Woodfox.  Booker discussed how him and Cavel became great friends and different evaluations of several players on the Jays basketball team.

Another great interview with Josh Dotzler. The discussion was based around how Josh is a Senior and how it feels to have this be “his” team and his relationship with Coach Altman and how Josh has really been around this program for a long time.

Finally Dana Altman had a great discussion with Matt on the prospects of being predicted conference champion, and about the players and their roles expected on the team. It was also mentioned that they will be having the scrimmage that is replacing one of the exhibition games with Iowa State.  The Jays are going up there this year and then Iowa State is coming to Omaha next year for the scrimmage.

There were also several great interviews that are posted on Big Sports 590’s podcasts from Valley Media Day that are worth listening too.  Too bad “Double G”  Gregg Marshall didn’t have an interview with Matt.  Maybe next year :)

Valley Media Day — Part 2, Baby Steps

Whether this was supposed to be released or not today (Jim Les let the cat out of the bag), the news has come out that the Mountain West Conference and The Valley have worked out a MWC/MVC challenge.  Full details have yet to be released, but this is what we know so far:

They are starting a series of games beginning in 2009-10.  Commissioners of both mid-major leagues announced the four-year agreement on Tuesday. It quickly met with approval from Valley coaches.

The PJ Star reported–MVC Commissioner Doug Elgin said the agreement calls for each school to have two home games and two road games over the four years, with the exception of one Valley school that would have to sit out each season. That’s caused because the MVC has 10 members and the Mountain West nine

The Salt Lake Tribune reported–The agreement calls for five of the nine annual games to be played on one league’s home courts one season, and on the other league’s home courts the following season…..The Mountain West has been working on such a deal for about the last six months, hoping to help its teams improve their home schedules.

The Bluejays are already playing New Mexico this season at home and at their place next season, but it sounds like this deal will start in 2009-10 so I could see that the Jays may not take part in this agreement until 2010-11.

Commissioner Elgin will be on with Matt Perrault on Big Sports 590 today around 4:30 to discuss the particulars of the deal.  Sounds like TV is involved as well.

This is another great step to improve schedules for teams from both conferences.  Hopefully this will be the start of transitioning away from the Bracketbusters that has lost its impact and doesn’t really solve now what it was intended to solve.   The teams in the Mountain West are solid teams including usually consistent NCAA tourney team BYU, resurgant UNLV, consistent Air Force and rising San Diego St.  I’m excited for this one to happen and it is a baby step for increasing the visibility of the Valley.

Valley Media Day-Part 1

So far the news at the Missouri Valley Conference media day has garnered no surprises as Creighton has been selected to win the Valley this season overwhelmingly with 36 first place votes and P’Allen Stinnett was named to the Pre-Season All-Valley team.

Big Sports 590 is down there today and they will be broadcasting all Jays coverage today from 2-6 PM.

Then head on down to the Qwest Center and watch the Jays Open House practice tonight from 5:30-7:30.  Parking in Lot B is free.

Tragic Turn of Events

Friday night, we understood it was the last chance to see if Anthony Tolliver would make the San Antonio Spurs basketball team.  Then he didn’t play at all and wasn’t even on the bench.   The concern was that he didn’t make the team or had a personal issue.  It was a personal issue, however, what was unexpected was to what extent the personal issue was.

Anthony found out that he made the Spurs team, but on the same day found out that his mother died of an apparent heart attack.  According to the well written article in the Omaha World Herald this morning.  it sounds like the Spurs are being very respectful of the situation and have made sure to let Anthony know that they are there for him.

Just myself, I know that I would like to tell Anthony that I am sorry for his loss.  Though I don’t know him personally, I can relate to the situation and try to feel what he is going through.  We had an unexpected loss like this in our family a few years ago that has taken a lot of time to recover from.  I would totally understand if basketball is secondary at this point for him.  I’m sure the whole Bluejay community and the city of Omaha are there for him.

Tolliver 1 of 3 fighting for 2

Anthony Tolliver is on the edge, but looking likely to garner one of the two remaining roster spots on the San Antonio Spurs 15 man roster.  The last preseason game is this evening against Miami.  According to the San Antonio Express News, they are speculating that Anthony has an advantage of the other two players, Desmon Farmer and Malik Hairston mainly because Anthony plays a different position and a different role for the team.

The three remaining bubble players will play in tonight’s preseason finale against Miami and the AT&T Center, with each hoping to make his closing argument.

Tolliver, a 6-foot-8 shooting big man, would seem to have a bead on one of the open slots. He plays a different position, and fills a different role, than would either Farmer or Hairston.

Tolliver, billed as a long-range marksman, has hit on just 23.1 percent of his 3-pointers (6 of 26) this preseason. However, he has impressed with his energy and a surprising knack for making plays around the basket.

If anybody knows how quickly the rug can be pulled out from under a player in training camp, it’s Tolliver. He made it all the way through camp in Cleveland last year, only to be waived on opening day.

“There’s not too much that’s in my hands anymore,” Tolliver said. “The coaches have given our young guys a chance out there on the court. I can’t ask for anything more.”

We wish good luck to Anthony and hopefully he makes the team and stays this year.  He was on the opening day roster of the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, but was cut soon after Cleveland signed one of their hold-out players.  Tonight’s game is not being televised anywhere according to their schedule.

The Media Frenzy Begins

The Omaha World Herald had a nice article on Kenny Lawson in today’s paper and ironically yesterday he was interviewed on Big Sports 590 with Matt Perrault.

Next Tuesday is the Missouri Valley Conference Media Day in St. Louis and Big Sports 590 will be down there.  Matt posted on the ‘Cafe that Josh Dotzler and Booker Woodfox will be making the trip with Coach Altman and be on the broadcast along with the other Valley coaches.  Here is the MVC’s schedule of events (even though it says 2007).   It will then be a quick trip back to Omaha for those guys as Creighton will hold their Open House for fans to see the team practice and to buy season tickets where they are still available.

Then I guess on Wednesday is Creighton Media day where P’Allen Stinnett and Justin Carter will be on Matt’s Show.

A Word on All the Teams

A guy over at this Blog took the time to give a couple sentence analysis of every team in Division I this year.  A very interesting and sometimes funny read and if you want the quick and dirty about the opponents.  So you don’t have to sift through it, here is what he said about Creighton:

Creighton: Oh hi, you know what the Blue Jays have? Three stud guards with problems! Josh Dotzler is the hard luck distributor. Can he overcome his injuries? P’Allen Stinnett is the enigmatic and mercurial two guard. His athleticism is explosive, but can he control his inner fire? Justin Carter is the new guy. Can he be a taller Jamaal Tatum? And can Dana Altman keep them consistent?

And just to give you a taste of the opponents for the upcoming season, here is what was written about the rest of the Jays opponents:

New Mexico: The Lobos fell just short in getting to the tournament. And do you want to know the key to them coming across the line? Tony Dandridge. The redshirt was awesome two years ago. If he can generate 80% of J.R. Giddens? The Lobos can overtake the Beas and win the day.

Arkansas Pine Bluff: Terrence Calvin is the lone man with experience facing down a non-conference schedule that can be murderous. He’s great at the isolation game, but unless Antonio Ootsey can roll up on the world with style and aplomb? This may not be the year to invest in the Golden Lions.

Oral Roberts: The cupboard may not be bare. Robert Jarvis and Marcus Lewis have bills-paying skills. That being said? Four starters are gone. But you know what, scratch that. Oral Roberts recruited a man named Beloved Rogers to be a guard. That, that I can appreciate.

Arkansas Little Rock: If you all like balance? You have to like UALR. All five starters return. All five starters averaged between six and ten points. All five starters are between 6’4″ and 6’8.” Okay, Steven Moore’s only 6’0″, but the point is. An experienced team with good balance? They have a chance to usurp the dominance in the Sun Belt back to the West.

Nebraska: Doc Sadler lost some magic for this season. A collegiate stay of less time than Tommy Lee screwed them out of Robert Sallie. And Aleks Maric is studying up to be a Jamario Moon in 2013. But Ade Dagundro is a lockdown defender and he has elevation holmes.

Mississippi Valley State: Now for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities? A winning Non-Conference record is something to behold. Sad? Yes. But it’s a fact of life. The Delta Devils had that glory last year. But alas, Stanford Speech’s graduation leaves the cupboard pretty bare.

St. Joseph’s: Ahmad Nivins is a weapon at the four. He’s got the potential to roll out with a 20-10 season. If he gets low post help. Tasheed Carr and Darrin Govens are a mighty fan back court duo. Also? If you’re wondering if Mike Auriemma’s any relation to UConn coach Geno? Yes, yes he is.

Dayton: Chris Wright was the glue that held the team together in 2007-2008. The Freshman sensation was the reason the Flyers, well, flew high. He was also the reason they crashed and burned. If London Warren can be the outside to the talented front court? They may get the NCAA Tournament trip the Flyers were so denied previously.

Northern Colorado: I cannot get sufficiently hyped for the 2008-2009 version of Northern Colorado. Sure, Jabril Banks is a solid force. But Thanasi Panagiotakopolous has graduated. I have a rule, I cannot feel good about a team after a player with an eight-syllable last name has graduated. Sorry.

Southern: Sadly, there is no Will Smith at the former home of Ben Jobe. Because that would just be awesome. Why? Because their third guard is named Jeff “Jazz” Williams. They do have Barry Honore’ and yes, he can get them to what has turned out to be a racially charged play-in game.

Fresno State: Are you asking for a bloodline challenge? I can get you one. You remember pure shooter Eddie Johnson? Well, if you wanted a money guy with the game on the line? You went to Eddie Johnson. And the Eddie Johnson at Fresno State is technically a junior. If bloodlines mean anything? Fresno has a bomber.

DePaul: I have to tell you, when I look at an 11-19 team and see four starters gone, you would think that the Blue Demons are a team that has no hope for 2008-2009, right? Wrong. The youth is higly talented. Dar Tucker and Mac Koshwai have the potential to be an All-conference frontcourt. The backcourt is young, but Wainright has a firable offense if these guys all graduate and have no Big Dance. The talent is there.

Saint Louis: Last year was a bit of a disaster. We’ll admit it. But Rick Majerus has his wacky misadventures, a brand spanking new arena in the Chaifetz Arena, and a half-decent back court. With Tommie Lidell and Kevin Lisch, this team can steal some wins.

And then the rest of the Valley:

Bradley: There’s going to be a running theme in the MVC. Talented guardplay is available in spades. And the Braves got some. Sam Maniscalco is the penetrator, and he’s going to kick it out to Andrew Warren and Theron (really a forward but built like a 2 guard) Wilson. There’s no Patrick O’ Bryant, but there is fun times for Jim Les!
Drake: Sure, Keno Davis is gone. Adam Emenecker is gone. Entirely too handsome Korver brother is gone. But the folks of Des Moines should not fret. The Bulldogs are not without their skills. Josh Young is a sharpshooter of the highest order. And Jonathan Cox is a one-man dual threat. It went perfect last year, but Drake’s not gonna fade gently to black.
Evansville: There are holes, but on the wing? There’s real talent. The awesomely named Shy Ely broke through as the Purple Aces struggled to get to ten wins. And if Jason Holsinger can be a better distributorial decision-maker? There’s a start. Also? Denver Holmes just may be the most famous Denver in pop culture since TV’s Uncle Jessie. Dukes of Hazzard.
Illinois State: Osiris Eldrige is an All-league candidate who became big as the season ended. With an exodus of backcourt talent, he gets a chance to be all seeing and the leader of the offense. Other than that? They love the drive and kick-out game. And they have the shooters to make another run at the top.
Indiana State: Now, the most famous Stinson of all time is SNL one off gimmick Connie. But the Sycamores have a contender. Marico Syinson has an ability to go unconcious and sew the mouths of fat hogs closed by just shooting the lights out. He’s like Walken. You never know where he’s gonna go. You just know that there’s gonna be a dance sequence.
Missouri State: Now, this one may just be for me. But Cuonzo Martin’s a man who brings back excellent memories of the classic Wisconsin-Purdue Michael Finley-Glenn Robinson duel. If he’s awesome by association? Missouri State has found themselves a pretty good hire.
Northern Iowa: If it stands that playing with the opposite strengths of the rest of the conference can bring you luck? Then the Panthers could get very interesting. The Missouri Valley is a very guard heavy conference, but the Panthers love is in the low post. Adam Koch got swole so he can play a more effective four. And Jordan Eglseder is 7’1″ and can do a pretty good impression of a Luke Schenscherr.
Southern Illinois: With Randal Falker and Matt Shaw graduated, the Salukis have a wide open window of opportunity in their frontcourt. Luckily, they’ve got a blue-chipper coming in. Anthony Booker is the most-hyped Saluki to ever come into the program. However? The question is, can the backcourt be more consistent? If it can? Last year was just a blip.
Wichita State: Listen, let’s be honest. The Shockers have been one in the stink since their Sweet 16 Run. But is there hope? Absolutely. Gregg Marshall made Winthrop Winthrop. And last year was a whole hell of a lot more about bad luck than bad play. And Ramon Clemente is a man who can be the high-energy glass cleaner. They’ll be back.

Happy Wednesday.  25 days until the regular season starts.  It can’t get here soon enough.

UNI-Turn the lights out when you leave

I was looking at some of the other Valley schools today thinking about the upcoming season and those that think Missouri St. will finish last in the league this year better think again.  It will probably be Northern Iowa instead.  At the start of practice here is what they are dealing with as a team so far.

• The latest news is that Senior guard Carlton Reed who came off the bench last season playing about 11 minutes a game and chipping in about 4 points a game may have ruptured the patella tendon in his left knee during practice and could be lost for the season.   He broke a bone in both feet last season which is why he was limited in games and minutes before.  Crazy

The rest of the team is like an infirmary including:

• Guard Kwadzo Ahelegbe (out all last season) is still recovering from his second shoulder surgery within a year
• Jake Koch (incoming freshman) is out indefinitely after having ankle surgery in late August.
• Point Guard John Moran (incoming freshman) and Center Jordan Eglseder (leading returning scorer) each have ankle injuries and won’t practice. Moran suffered a bone bruise during a workout three weeks ago and Eglseder who has had a rash of injuries during his 2 years with the Panthers, will be held out at least until next week and longer if the pain doesn’t subside.

Then to add insult to injury:

• Sophomore Forward Lucas O’Rear (Played in 31 games last season) is out for the first three regular-season games after being suspended for fourth-degree theft
• Transfer Adam Rodenberg who transferred from UC-Irvine isn’t eligible until the end of the semester.
• The school has stopped recruiting Chicago prep Brian Conway after he and a high school teammate were arrested for holding up a couple at gunpoint near an ATM early Monday morning.

So even though the season is just getting kicked off with practice, the Panthers will be playing catchup all season to get everyone involved that they plan to use and will have an effect when they start playing games (especially for the 2 freshman and transfer)  So don’t be surprised if we see UNI struggle all season.   With head coach Ben Jacobson on the hot seat, this isn’t a good thing for them.