Creighton’s veteran group leaves legacy, sets new standard for Bluejays basketball
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - The road for Creighton ends in Detroit, but the impact of this Bluejays core will live on long past Friday’s loss to Tennessee in the Sweet 16.
Despite falling one round shy of last year’s Elite 8 run, the Jays still reached the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons—a first in program history. Their 25 victories marked Creighton’s highest win total since 2016-17.
“I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished this year to get back on this stage,” McDermott said in his opening statement. “These guys have been selfless every step of the way. They’ve been absolutely a joy to coach. You hate for that to be over, and I hope, once the hurt subsides, they can look in the mirror and understand what they’ve accomplished.”
Amid a somber postgame locker room, there was an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the time spent in white and blue.
“Being able to come back to Nebraska and put on this Creighton uniform and play for that fanbase and Coach Mac, it’s been a dream come true for me,” Baylor Scheierman said after putting up 25 points in his final collegiate game. “I’m forever grateful to Coach Mac for allowing me to do that.”
“I loved every second since I stepped foot in Omaha,” said Francisco Farabello. “Since I stepped on campus, people have been nothing but great to me, so I’m very grateful for it.”
The Jays latest run to the Sweet 16 was made possible by Scheierman, Trey Alexander and Ryan Kalkbrenner all choosing to return to Omaha for another year.
“It’s an honor to be a part of a group that sort of elevated what a program expects and the ceiling for a program,” Kalkbrenner said. “I don’t know how fans or the public are going to remember us, but I’m going to remember these guys for the people they are.”
Kalkbrenner and Alexander are expected to test the draft waters again before deciding on their future. Whatever lies ahead, their legacy in Omaha is already secure.
“I’m excited for where Creighton goes in the future, whether it’s with me or not,” Alexander said, offering a window into his mindset about his impending decision. “I’m just glad for the moment and being able to be a part of this.”
While the loss stings for those who may not return, it has also sparked a younger Bluejay waiting in the wings.
“It’s definitely lighting a bonfire inside me right now to start my work,” said redshirt freshman Jasen Green, who saw his role steadily increase in the NCAA Tournament. “As soon as we get back to Omaha, I’m already going to be in the gym just preparing for when we get back to this exact moment next year. It’s not going to end up the same way.”
And that’s the true legacy that this veteran Creighton squad leaves behind—the winning culture, and a new standard carrying on to the next generation.
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