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Creighton Basketball: 5 reasons why Bluejays are 2020-21 title contenders

By Chris Thedinga

OMAHA, NE - DECEMBER 14: A general view of the arena during the game between the Green Bay Phoenix and the Creighton Bluejays at CHI Health Center Omaha on December 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE - DECEMBER 14: A general view of the arena during the game between the Green Bay Phoenix and the Creighton Bluejays at CHI Health Center Omaha on December 14, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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Creighton Basketball
Greg McDermott Creighton Basketball (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Offensive Juggernaut

Greg McDermott is truly an offensive mastermind. The way Creighton creates space for their shooters to shoot is incredible. They possess one of the least selfish offenses in the country, always making the extra pass to get a better shot. This has led them to be one of the most feared offenses in the entire nation.

The Jays finished third in offensive efficiency last year on KenPom, only behind Gonzaga and Dayton – two would-have-been favorites to win the big dance. Early in the season this year, they are slotted at number six in offensive efficiency. This offense featuring screens, cuts, and wide-open jumpers is immensely hard to prepare for, as Jay Wright said after Creighton and Doug McDermott piled on 101 points on Villanova a few years back.

They lost Ty-Shon Alexander, the main instigator of their Big East title* last season, but essentially all other main pieces are back. Denzel Mahoney is more than ready to step into that starting role vacated by Alexander. Mahoney provides more size to go along with Damien Jefferson on the wings, both of whom can knock down the triple. Mahoney saw five triples see splash through the net in his first game of the season against Omaha.

Damien Jefferson has shot 31% from deep in his collegiate career. If he can bolster that number a bit, this offense goes from tough to beat to damn near impossible to stop. It is very difficult to stop four legitimate perimeter threats (two of which shoot it above 42%), just ask any Big East coach.

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