NCAA Basketball: Top 25 strongest backcourts for 2020-21 season
By Ian Mumm
19. Creighton Bluejays
Creighton boasted one of the deepest backcourts in the country a year ago. Led by sophomore Marcus Zegarowski, the team leaned heavily on that group to earn a share of their first regular-season Big East title in program history. Zegarowski maintained an insane efficiency from the perimeter through the end of his 2nd college at 42.4%, but managed to drastically improve his production inside the 3-point arc making 55% of his attempts.
Despite the Bluejays featuring less depth than they did last season, losing guards Ty-Shon Alexander (NBA) and Davion Mintz (Kentucky), there is still plenty of firepower to help Zegarowski.
Sharpshooter Mitch Ballock, the team’s leading perimeter threat, is back for another season and really stabilizes Creighton’s outlook this season. He brings in a lot of experience for a group integrating a lot of new pieces this season. Freshman Rati Andronikashvili has experience as a lead guard for the nation of Georgia in FIBA and Eurobasket and brings a complimentary wrinkle to the Bluejays attack.
As a more effective downhill player with the creativity to finish around the rim, Andronikashvili could be an essential threat towards involving frontcourt players Christian Bishop and Jacob Epperson down low and creating spacing for perimeter shooters.
Outside of this trio, wing Damien Jefferson figures to play a prominent role in the program again. He is likely to elevate his scoring into double-digit territory with extra opportunities being available, but his ability to play all over the court is a huge advantage for Coach McDermott.
Duke transfer Alex O’Connell is likely to see the floor this season as well, given the perceived leniency of the NCAA granting waivers this offseason. AOC wasn’t super-productive in Durham, but his minutes were limited and the move to Omaha allows for a more natural playing style to match his skill set.