NCAA Basketball: Preseason Top-25 power rankings for 2020-21 season

Mar 23, 2019; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Baylor Bears guard Mark Vital (11) goes up for a shot as Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Brandon Clarke (15) defends during the second half in the second round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

15 of 27

NCAA Basketball Creighton Bluejays (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

No. 13 Creighton Bluejays

One of the best offensive teams last season will have to make do without leading scorer Ty-Shon Alexander. He also happened to be the team’s best individual defender, making it a double-blow for Creighton. However, the team may be even better this time around, thanks to health and a more rounded roster.

Denzel Mahoney was one of the more effective transfers last season, putting up over 12 ppg off the bench. He missed a number of games though but is back, along with center Jacob Epperson, a 6’11 big who missed all of last year with an injury. Four-star freshman Ryan Kalkbrenner provides needed depth inside, the type that wasn’t there last year.

"The Bluejays have a squad capable of a final four run, their backcourt is one of the best in the country with Zegarowski surrounded by Ballock and Mahoney. – Ben Andreatta (@BennyAnTheJetss)"

To be clear though, the perimeter will lead the way for the Bluejays once again. Marcus Zegarowski has Big East Player of the Year and All-American potential as a junior, joined by senior guard Mitchell Ballock. Damien Jefferson and Christian Bishop will play at the combo forward positions, while 6’6 Memphis transfer Christian Bishop has the potential to somewhat fill in Alexander’s role on the wing.

Creighton will once again have the offensive firepower to remain near the top of the Big East this season. But will the defense be good enough to compete with Villanova? The hope is that the frontcourt can help answer those questions.

Home/NCAA Basketball News