GETTING INSIDE

   Like many Missouri Valley Conference teams, Creighton is loaded with guards and small forwards. Like many, its inside game is a question mark.

   Creighton’s edge is two-fold. First, the Bluejays do have junior center Kenny Lawson, a talented 6-foot-9 center who progressed nicely late in 2009. He is a good starting point. Second, coach Dana Altman wins regardless of his personnel issues.

   The Bluejays are expected to win again this season, despite some painful losses in the off-season. Guard Booker Woodfox, the MVC’s Player of the Year, ran out of elgibility. The unexpected loss of center Kenton Walker, who joined Lawson as a emerging big man, sets the Bluejays back. He transferred to St. Mary’s (Calif.) after two seasons in Omaha. His departure leaves Creighton thin inside. Since rebounding was already an issue, all eyes will be on Lawson and the other inside players.

   Chad Millard, a 6-8 senior, has suffered through an injury-plagued career. If he can get healthy, he can give Creighton needed depth. Coaches hope junior college transfer Wayne Runnels, a 6-6, 215-pound forward, can skip the usual adjustment period and contribute immediately. Beyond Lawson, there is nobody on the roster taller than 6-8.

   Altman spent the first half of last season challenging his team’s toughness, a weakness that showed up in rebounding disadvantages. The Bluejays figured things out during the conference season, running off 11 straight wins from late January to early March.

   Replacing Woodfox, who made 47.6 percent of his three-pointers, is also a chore. With returners P’Allen Stinnett, who averaged 12.5 points, Antoine Young and Cavel Witter, the Bluejays will be solid in the backcourt.

NOTES, QUOTES

• Forward Justin Carter will be the biggest beneficiary if Wayne Runnells can take over the power forward duties. Carter, 6-foot-4, battled as an under-sized inside player. He can overpower opponents if he can move to the wing.

• Freshman guard Josh Jones will also get a shot to help in the backcourt. He redshirted in 2009 after setting the scoring record at Omaha Central High with 1,518 points.

• Creighton coach Dana Altman ranks third on the MVC’s coaching list with 392 career victories. He trails Henry Iba (486) and Eddie Hickey (337).

Last Year:   27-8 overall, 14-4 in the MVC.

   HEAD COACH: Dana Altman (career 392-227); 16th year at Creighton (309-160).

   QUOTE TO NOTE: “We were not a good rebounding team at any position. We’ve got to be more aware of rebounding at every spot.”—Creighton coach Dana Altman.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

   SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Freshman Andrew Bock is Creighton’s most highly rated newcomer. Rivals.com ranked him No. 101 in his senior class and No. 17 among point guards. He is the only MVC recruit ranked in the top 150.

   Forward Wayne Runnels, however, is the key. He averaged 22 points and 11 rebounds as a sophomore at Northern Oklahoma College. Creighton needs him to rebound, rebound, rebound.

   KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: Creighton won 26 games by selection day and the NCAA committee turned it down. Games against Dayton and Michigan can help the Bluejays avoid a similar fate.

   Creighton also could face Marquette or Xavier and has its usual matchup with Nebraska. The Bluejays enjoy several opportunities to score resume-builders in November and December.

   PROGRAM DIRECTION: With Southern Illinois in a decline, Creighton is the Valley’s most consistent winner. The Jays have won 20 or more games 11 straight seasons.

   Creighton hit a high point with four straight NCAA berths early this decade, capped by a 29-5 record in 2003. Since then, the Bluejays are winners, but not big winners.

   The NIT is a good goal most seasons for most MVC teams. Creighton fans expect a little more. It is irritating for them to see the Bluejays relegated to the NIT in three of the past four seasons. While Altman has built a consistent winner, fans can be forgiven for wishing for a few more high points.

   PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Antoine Young, SG P’Allen Stinnett, SF Justin Carter, PF Wayne Runnels, C Kenny Lawson.

   ROSTER REPORT:

   —Senior guard Cavel Witter left the team after last season. He reconsidered and rejoined the team in the summer. Witter averaged 7.7 points as a junior.

   —Senior Chad Millard’s season started with another injury setback. He broke a bone in his right foot early in late September. The injury did not require surgery.

   —Waukee (Iowa) center Will Artino (6-foot-11) gave Creighton an oral commitment.