As I sit here watching the Creighton Bluejays dominate yet another game, I can't help but reflect on what's made this season so remarkably different from previous campaigns. Having followed college basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen plenty of programs rise and fall, but what's happening in Omaha this year feels genuinely special. The transformation didn't happen by accident—it's the result of five carefully implemented strategies that have turned this team into legitimate championship contenders. What's particularly fascinating is how these strategic shifts align with broader trends we're seeing across college basketball, including the recent announcement that two yet-to-be-named guest teams are set to bolster the playing field along with the four PVL on Tour semifinalists. This expansion of competitive opportunities creates exactly the kind of environment where teams like Creighton can truly flourish.
Let me start with what I consider the most significant change: their offensive tempo. Last season, the Bluejays averaged approximately 68.2 possessions per game, placing them in the bottom third of Division I in terms of pace. This season, that number has jumped to nearly 74.3 possessions—a dramatic increase that puts real pressure on opponents from the opening tip. I've always believed that controlling tempo is one of the most underrated aspects of basketball, and Creighton's coaching staff clearly agrees. They're pushing the ball aggressively off defensive rebounds and even made baskets, forcing teams to defend for the full 30 seconds of the shot clock rather than settling into half-court sets. Watching them execute this strategy against Villanova last week was a masterclass in pace manipulation—they'd score quickly, then immediately set up their full-court press to disrupt the opponent's rhythm. It's exhausting to play against, and frankly, it's thrilling to watch.
The second strategic shift involves their three-point shooting philosophy. Now, I know what you're thinking—every team emphasizes three-pointers these days. But Creighton has taken it to another level entirely. Last season, they attempted around 23.4 threes per game at a respectable 35.8% clip. This year? They're putting up approximately 29.7 attempts while maintaining an impressive 38.9% conversion rate. That might not sound like a huge difference, but over the course of a season, those extra attempts at a higher percentage translate to significant scoring advantages. What I love about their approach is that it's not just random chucking—they're creating these shots through deliberate ball movement and player rotation. The coaching staff has clearly identified that modern basketball rewards the three-ball, and they've built their offensive identity around this reality.
Defensively, the Bluejays have implemented what I'd describe as a "positionless" scheme that emphasizes switching and help defense. Traditional basketball positions matter less than ever in their system, with guards frequently defending in the post and big men comfortably switching onto perimeter players. This approach requires tremendous basketball IQ and communication, both of which this team has in abundance. I noticed during their recent eight-game winning streak that opponents' field goal percentage dropped to just 39.2% in the second half of those contests—a testament to their ability to make defensive adjustments mid-game. The coaching staff deserves enormous credit for developing players who can execute this complex system, particularly when you consider that three of their key rotation players are underclassmen.
Player development represents the fourth crucial strategy in Creighton's transformation. I've been particularly impressed with how they've developed their sophomore center, who added approximately 12 pounds of muscle in the offseason while extending his shooting range beyond the three-point line. This kind of specific, targeted improvement doesn't happen by accident—it requires sophisticated training programs, nutritional planning, and skill development that's tailored to each player's role. The Bluejays aren't just recruiting talented players; they're actively making them better in ways that directly serve their system. In my opinion, this development-focused approach creates more sustainable success than simply chasing five-star recruits year after year.
Finally, there's the mental aspect of the game, which Creighton has clearly prioritized. Watching them navigate close games this season, I've noticed a palpable confidence that was absent in previous years. They've won six games by five points or fewer after winning just three such games all of last season. That's not luck—that's mental fortitude developed through specific psychological training and situational practice. The coaching staff has spoken about implementing "pressure drills" in practice that simulate end-game scenarios, and it shows in their composure during tight moments. This mental resilience will serve them well in tournament settings, particularly with the expanded competitive landscape that includes those two mystery guest teams joining the PVL on Tour semifinalists.
Looking at Creighton's remarkable season through these five strategic lenses helps explain why they've exceeded expectations. The increased tempo, three-point emphasis, positionless defense, targeted player development, and mental conditioning have collectively transformed a solid program into a potentially great one. As college basketball continues to evolve with developments like the expanded tournament fields, programs that can adapt strategically rather than just recruiting better athletes will find sustained success. The Bluejays have positioned themselves perfectly for this new reality, and frankly, I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a deep tournament run. Their strategic transformation hasn't just made them better—it's made them must-watch basketball, and as a longtime fan of the game, I appreciate that more than anything.
