Welcome to Omaha and the always impressive Qwest Center. It’s a late-arriving crowd tonight, but I’m told to expect around 16,500. The Bluejay Oompa-Loompas are on the court with their flags, so it’s close to game time.
Creighton has a lot of nerve announcing itself as the Midwest’s top-ranked private college. Benedictine College is the choice of the discriminating student.
No MVC banners, but they will return, according to CU SID Rob Anderson. Creighton had the banners, but took them down because fans complained about an obstructed view. They are being remade. Good for Creighton, and exactly what I would expect from the Midwest’s top-rated private college. So far during my trip through the Valley, WSU and SIU are the only schools to have banners representing the 10 schools. MSU, Illinois State and Bradley do not.
Steve Pivovar has covered Creighton for 11 years in two different pieces for the Omaha World-Herald.
Q: With all its freshmen, will Creighton be the preseason favorite in 2008-09?
A: The Bluejays will have to be seriously considered for one of the top spots. Bold prediction here: P’Allen Stinnett is going to win the Valley freshman of the year award. Kenny Lawson and Kenton Walker have the potential to develop into better than average big men in a conference known as a guards league. Creighton coach Dana Altman is excited about the future, just as long as the growing pains this team is experiencing doesn’t do him in.
Q: Is P’Allen Stinnett the best freshman in the Valley?
See above prediction. Actually, Stinnett has been like any freshman - wildly inconsistent. But when he’s good, he is definitely the top freshman in this league. He already has more highlight reel plays in his first two-thirds of a season than some Creighton players have in a career.
Q: Is Creighton guard Nick Bahe the best quote in the MVC?
Nick is the go-to guy when I need a quote, whether it’s after a win or loss. I’m going to petition the NCAA to see if Nick can get an extra season of eligibility just to serve as the team spokesman. I don’t care if he plays or not. I just want him around to talk.
Q: I see Creighton baseball is talking about the College World Series - playing, not just selling popcorn or giving directions to Pauli’s Is that realistic or just big talk?
A: Just about every Division I team at least pays lip service in February to having CWS dreams. The Bluejays are talking about how they want to build on last season’s success, which included winning the Missouri Valley Conference tournament for the first time. With the Valley’s player of the year (Darin Ruf), pitcher of the year (Ben Mancuso) and tournament MVP (Pat Venditte) among a solid group of returning players that are back, hopes are high. Backing up the big talk is of course what separates the teams that end up in Omaha and the ones that watch the CWS on TV.