MVC report | NCAA Tournament report

SportsLine.com Reports
March 16, 2000

A Glance at 2001

The Bluejays have a jump on most teams with a backcourt of Ryan Sears and Ben Walker. The seniors-to-be have been the Creighton starting backcourt since arriving in Omaha, and they should have the deep Bluejays in the thick of contention again.

Who's back

In addition to Sears and Walker, the Bluejays will have Alan Huss and Livan Pyfrom to share post duties as seniors. Forwards Kyle Korver and Justin Haynes played well down the stretch and likely will take the open forward spots in the starting lineup. If sophomore-to-be Terrell Taylor is left to be the sixth man, he could be the best one in the MVC.

Who's Gone

Creighton loses its two Omahans when Donnie Johnson (Central High) and Matt West (Westside High) move on. They aren't the Bluejays' leading scorers, but coach Dana Altman said they mean more than anyone could imagine.

Walk-on Dan Kolder goes on to medical school. Nerijus Karlikanovas was averaging 9.5 points a game, but was removed from the team by Altman on Feb. 25.

Key Newcomers

Three redshirt freshmen will be ready to go next season -- Michael Grimes, Joe Dabbert and Sean Blocker. The 6-7 Grimes and 6-10 Dabbert will be asked to help the inside game right away.

Incoming freshmen are Prentes Potts from Kansas City, Mo., and Ismael Caro of Manchester, Conn., both guards. Caro likely will play right away as a backup to Sears.