Greg McDermott and the Creighton Bluejays have reached the NCAA Tournament five consecutive times since the Covid-disrupted 2019-20 season. Their relentless consistency in the Big East cements them as top contenders, trailing only UConn and St. John’s. With a robust lineup bolstered by six proven transfers and two incoming freshmen, experts see no signs of the Bluejays slowing down.
Building on their recent history of success, Creighton is off to another good start this season, going 3-1Â in their nonconference slate so far. However, McDermott has his share of disappointments and frustrations, including his players’ apparent lack of grit, which has forced him to burn a freshman guard’s supposed redshirt this season.
Greg McDermott Inserted Freshman Hudson Greer Into the Game, Knowing It May Affect His Redshirt Status
In a postgame press conference after Creighton’s 75-60 win over North Dakota last Wednesday, coach McDermott explained his decision to play redshirt freshman guard Hudson Greer. Greer, a consensus four-star prospect, was set to redshirt this season for development, given the team’s experienced guard lineup.
However, McDermott expressed frustration with his original guard rotation, especially after Creighton’s 90-63Â loss to Gonzaga. He noted that Greer, who advanced from the scout team to the main lineup, brings a competitive edge that the other guards lack.
“The reality of it is we’ve had almost 40 practices, we’ve played two exhibition games, we played three real games going into tonight, and I’m just done asking guys to do what I want done, and if they they’re not able to do it, then we’re going to have to play somebody else,” McDermott said.
“When Hudson goes in the game, I know he’s going to give me everything that he has, and he’s going to fight, and he’s arguably our best athlete.”
The 6’7″ Greer made a good showing, despite missing all three field goals. He posted one point, seven rebounds, four assists, and a block in 14 minutes. Greer impressed McDermott, who believes he can help the team in Big East regular-season games next January.
“He’s playing the right way and he’ll get better with each passing game,” McDermott said. “I probably felt like our best chance to have a good team in January and there’s going to be some bumps in the road between now and then as he gets his feet under him – was going to include Hudson in the rotation.”
The Montverde standout impressed, giving Creighton fans a preview of his skills. Greer set up Jasen Green for a two-handed slam, drawing loud cheers. He was given opportunities to shine, first with a small-ball lineup featuring himself, Blake Harper, and Jasen Green sharing backcourt duties.
In Greer’s next stint, McDermott changed the lineup: Greer and Harper continued in the backcourt while Jackson McAndrew and Kerem Konan played in the frontcourt.
Greer Reacts to McDermott’s Decision To Insert Him in Creighton’s Rotation
Greer was also asked to comment on his first game as a college basketball player. He described his debut as awesome, and his performance was a product of his hard work.
“It was awesome,” Greer said of his debut. “Obviously I didn’t shoot the ball (well), like all of us did today, but other than that, I feel like my calling card is just playing extremely hard. I feel like I just try to do that every day.”
MORE: Creighton Coach Admits Recruitment Failure Hurt Team Against Gonzaga
The guard said McDermott approached him and described his situation. The Creighton coach informed him that a teammate had been sidelined by a stomach bug, creating an opportunity for him to join the team. He stressed that the 14-minute stretch helped him develop as a player and expressed hope for continued progress throughout the season. With this experience, he now prepares for his next test.
Building on that growth, Greer can aim to surpass his earlier performance and prove he’s more than a one-trick pony as Creighton faces Baylor in the Players Era Festival on November 24 at Michelob Ultra Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
