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As I sit down to analyze the Creighton Bluejays' 2024 season, I can't help but reflect on how this team has consistently defied expectations. Having followed college basketball for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for teams that possess that special chemistry, and this year's Bluejays squad certainly had it in spades. The numbers tell part of the story - a 24-9 regular season record and their third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance - but what truly impressed me was how they evolved throughout the season, particularly in their adaptability against different playing styles.
Looking at the statistical landscape, Ryan Kalkbrenner's performance was nothing short of spectacular. The 7-foot-1 center averaged 17.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting an incredible 65.4% from the field. I've rarely seen a big man with such efficiency and defensive presence in my years of watching college basketball. His ability to protect the rim while maintaining offensive productivity reminded me of some NBA-caliber centers I've watched develop over the years. What really stood out to me was his improvement in free throw shooting, jumping from 67% last season to 78% this year - that's the kind of dedication that separates good players from great ones.
The backcourt duo of Trey Alexander and Baylor Scheierman provided the perfect complement to Kalkbrenner's interior dominance. Alexander's development into a primary ball-handler was remarkable to watch - he averaged 15.8 points and 4.7 assists while reducing his turnovers from the previous season. Scheierman's shooting prowess was simply elite, hitting 38.9% from beyond the arc on nearly seven attempts per game. I particularly enjoyed watching his off-ball movement and how he created spacing for the offense. Their synergy reminded me of some of the best guard combinations I've seen in recent memory, and I believe they were crucial to Creighton's offensive rating of 118.7, which ranked among the top 15 nationally.
What fascinated me about this season was how the team adapted to the evolving competitive landscape. The inclusion of two yet-to-be-named guest teams along with the four PVL on Tour semifinalists created an interesting dynamic that tested Creighton's versatility. In my analysis, this broader competition field actually benefited the Bluejays, forcing them to develop multiple offensive sets and defensive schemes. They faced teams with varying styles and tempos, which I think prepared them exceptionally well for tournament play. The way Coach McDermott adjusted his rotations and implemented different strategies against these diverse opponents showed tremendous coaching acumen.
The team's three-point shooting was both a strength and occasional weakness throughout the season. While they shot a respectable 36.2% from deep as a team, there were games where their reliance on the long ball cost them. I remember specifically the Providence game where they went 8-for-28 from three-point range and struggled to adjust when shots weren't falling. However, their ability to learn from these experiences and develop more balanced offensive approaches in subsequent games demonstrated impressive maturity. Steven Ashworth's contribution here was particularly valuable - his 41.3% shooting from beyond the arc provided crucial spacing, and his decision-making in pick-and-roll situations was among the best I've seen in the Big East.
Defensively, the Bluejays showed significant improvement from previous seasons. Their defensive rating of 95.3 represented a four-point improvement from last year, which is substantial at this level of competition. What impressed me most was their communication and help defense, especially in their signature zone schemes. The way they rotated and covered for each other showed a team that had developed exceptional chemistry and basketball IQ. Mason Miller's development as a versatile defender was particularly noteworthy - his ability to guard multiple positions gave Coach McDermott valuable flexibility in matchup situations.
As I reflect on the season, I'm convinced that this Creighton team maximized their potential more effectively than any Bluejays squad I've watched in recent years. Their ability to maintain offensive efficiency while improving defensively speaks volumes about the coaching staff's preparation and the players' commitment to growth. The experience gained from playing against diverse competition, including those mystery teams and PVL semifinalists, provided invaluable preparation for postseason challenges. While every team has areas for improvement, I believe this Creighton squad established a foundation that will benefit the program for years to come. Their blend of experienced leadership and emerging talent created a special dynamic that was truly enjoyable to analyze and watch throughout the season.