Busting Brackets
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Big East Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2021-22 season

By Tristan Freeman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 11: Julian Champagnie #2 of the St. John's Red Storm reacts in the second half against the Seton Hall Pirates during the Quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 11, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 11: Julian Champagnie #2 of the St. John's Red Storm reacts in the second half against the Seton Hall Pirates during the Quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 11, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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KeyShawn Feazell
Big East Basketball Creighton Bluejays head coach Greg McDermott Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Creighton Bluejays

2020-21 season record: 22-9 (14-6)

Creighton Basketball has had some incredible highs and lows from the past couple of months. They had a major issue when head coach Greg McDermott made some unfortunate remarks in the locker room that caused national headlines and caused the coach to be suspended. The team rebounded to make the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1974 before running into the buzzsaw named Gonzaga.

But when the entire starting lineup either transferred out or went pro (many were already seniors), there was a major question as to whether the off-the-court issues would affect Coach McDermott on the recruiting trail, especially once TyTy Washington recommitted before picking Kentucky.

That question was answered in a major way, as the coaching staff kept both Ryan Nembhard and Mason Miller, while also landing top-50 forward Arthur Kaluma and top-75 shooting guard Trey Alexander. These are the four highest-rated commits in program history, giving the Bluejays a top-5 overall class.

Creighton also landed a pair of transfer forwards in KeyShawn Feazell, who averaged nearly a double-double at McNeese State, along with former D-II star Ryan Hawkins. Former top-100 point guard Rati Andronikashvili will be back after missing last season with an injury as well.

As great as an offseason this was for Creighton as a program long-term and solidifying Coach McDermott’s status, it’s important to remind folks that the top five contributors have left, leaving a very inexperienced roster for next season. There certainly will be growing pains next season and the record will take a step back but this was a great past month for the Bluejays.

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