A 1-1 record in the NIT confirmed Creighton should start next season as the MVC favorite. The Bluejays lose only three seniors from a deep team. Four of their top five scorers are back.

The Bluejays that return will form the Valley's most explosive offensive unit. Down 17 to Rhode Island in the first round of the NIT, the Bluejays rallied for a 74-73 win. The next game, an 82-54 loss at Florida, ended the season on a downer. But it shouldn't detract from the optimism for next season.

Creighton coach Dana Altman took a team with nine players in their first season of Division I basketball and made it a winner. Everyone will expect bigger things next season, and the Bluejays should be able to deliver.

Creighton's top priority is to replace the inside presence of Dane Watts and the maturity of guards Nick Bahe and Pierce Hibma. The pieces are in place on the roster, as long as players such as Kenny Lawson, Kenton Walker and Cavel Witter continue to mature.

Scoring should not be a problem. Freshman P'Allen Stinnett is one of the MVC's most dynamic players. G Booker Woodfox joined Witter as a dangerous duo off the bench. Both are capable of big scoring nights.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.