5 Reasons Why Creighton Will Win The 2014 NCAA Tournament

By Bryce Welker

5 Reasons Why Creighton Will Win the 2014 NCAA Tournament

Creighton — When you think of the NCAA, the first thing that comes to mind are the underdogs. You think of Bryce Drew and Valparaiso. You think of Stephen Curry going from unknown to superstar at Davidson. You think of Brad Steven's overachieving Butler Bulldogs. And after this season, there might be another small school that makes a run at greatness: the Creighton Blue Jays. Here are 5 reasons why the Jays are primed for a tournament run.

5. The New-Look Big East is No Joke

Big East

5. The New-Look Big East is No Joke

Big East — Although the original Big East was corrupted and gutted by the greed of college football, it still provides an entertaining and exceptional brand of basketball thanks to teams like the Blue Jays and the champion Providence Friars who have risen from the depths of basketball mediocrity.

4. Creighton has the Most Efficient Offense in College Basketball

Creighton Offense

4. Creighton has the Most Efficient Offense in College Basketball

Creighton Offense — The Jays' offensive efficiency rating currently sits at an impressive 1.191 rating for the season, which is very impressive and just happens to be the best in the NCAA this season. Creighton knows how to score the ball. A lot of this has to do with Doug McDermott, but we'll get to him in a second.

3. The Jays Take Care of the Ball

Creighton Turnovers

3. The Jays Take Care of the Ball

Creighton Turnovers — Creighton averages about 10 turnovers per game, good for 15th in the NCAA this season. This shows that the Jays value each possession, and, as their efficiency rating shows, they make the most out of every one of them.

2. Creighton is an Excellent Passing Team

Creighton Passing

2. Creighton is an Excellent Passing Team

Creighton Passing — The Jays are second in college basketball in assists at 17.7 per game. This, combined with their low turnover numbers, means that Creighton is first in the NCAA in the ever-critical assist-to-turnover ratio (1.784).

1. Doug McDermott

Doug McDermott

1. Doug McDermott

Doug McDermott — Often times, the NCAA tournament is decided by a player who just takes the tournament over. Think Kemba Walker in 2011. Doug McDermott, the consensus National Player of the Year favorite, is that kind of player. His usage rate is the highest in college basketball at 36.4%, meaning that he is literally carrying the team on his shoulders. The Jays will go as far as "McBuckets" can take them, and that just might be all the way.

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Creighton Bluejays

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