Pregame Primer: Creighton, led by head coach Greg McDermott, is gearing up for a preseason showdown with Iowa State, ranked #16, on Friday night. With a roster featuring nine newcomers and a mix of experienced and inexperienced players, the Bluejays are poised for an intriguing season. The team's success will hinge on their ability to adapt to a new style of defense, emphasizing hard-hedging and double-teaming the post, a departure from their previous drop coverage schemes. This shift in strategy is a result of the loss of Ryan Kalkbrenner, a generational defensive talent, and the absence of starting center Owen Freeman due to injury. The Bluejays' offensive prowess, however, remains a strength, with an elite offense predicted by both KenPom and Bart Torvik's models. The game against Iowa State, a top-25 opponent in an exhibition setting, will provide an early test of Creighton's defensive adjustments and their ability to compete against a formidable opponent. The Bluejays' success in this game could set the tone for their season, with a focus on defensive adaptability and offensive execution.
