Basketball: Altman borrows some offense from Michigan's Beilein

Michigan coach John Beilein might recognize some of the offensive sets that Creighton tries to run against his team when they meet in November in the Old Spice Classic.

That's because Bluejays coach Dana Altman has such admiration for Beilein's work that he's not above “borrowing'' some of the things the Wolverines try to do on the court.

Altman said it's not uncommon for coaches to watch tape of an opposing team and try to steal an idea or two that might work with their own clubs.

“I like what they do, and I like a lot of the stuff they run,'' Altman said. “John has a philosophy that he really feels comfortable with, and he's done a very good job of getting his teams to execute it.

“You're always looking for new ideas, and some of the stuff they run is similar to what we do.''

Creighton will get an up close and personal look at the Wolverines when the teams meet in the opening round of the November tournament in Orlando. The game, one of three the Bluejays will play in the exempt tournament, is part of a nonconference schedule that could be as demanding as any Creighton has tackled under Altman.

A relatively weak nonconference schedule might have kept the 27-8 Bluejays out of the NCAA tournament last season.

That shouldn't be a problem this season as the Bluejays play in the Old Spice Classic Nov. 26, 27 and 29 at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Opening-round opponent Michigan returns four starters, including All-Big Ten guard Manny Harris, and five other key reserves from a team that went 21-14 and made the NCAA tournament.

“It's a tough draw,'' Altman said. “But it's going to be a great opportunity and great exposure for our program.''

Creighton's second-round opponent will be either Marquette or Xavier, both NCAA tournament teams last season. A third game will pit the Bluejays against either Alabama, Florida State, Baylor or Iona.

Creighton also faces three formidable pre-Christmas road games. The Bluejays open the season Nov. 14 at Dayton, which is expected to be one of the favorites for the Atlantic 10 Conference title. Creighton also plays Dec. 12 at George Mason and Dec. 19 at New Mexico.

The Bluejays beat all three at home last season.

“This is going to be a different landscape for us as a schedule,” Altman said. “Six of our more difficult games will be on the road. We're going to have to try to get some wins on the road.''

Altman said Creighton is a couple of weeks from finalizing its schedule. He said he is waiting for a signed contract for the last nonconference game as well as the Missouri Valley Conference portion of the schedule.

Asked if his team, which returns three starters and a handful of key reserves, is capable of handling the difficult road games, Altman replied, “That's hard to tell. We're going to need a good fall. The spring and summer have gone pretty well, and the guys have been working hard. We need to follow it up with a productive fall.''

With school set to begin in a little more than a week, Creighton has finalized its roster. Cavel Witter, who left the team in early April but asked to return in June, is officially back on the roster, Altman said.

Altman released recruit Greg Allen from his letter of intent.

Allen, from Eureka, Calif., signed in late May. At the time, Allen and his coach said the player had some academic issues that needed to resolved.

Witter has spent the summer trying to re-establish himself with his teammates and the coaching staff.

“He still has a lot to prove, but he's had a good summer and he's worked hard,'' Altman said. “He's done everything that was asked of him and more.''

Tickets on sale

All-session and single-session tickets for the Old Spice Classic went on sale Monday.

Cost is $120 for the all-session tickets and $60 for single-session tickets. “Booster'' tickets, which allow entrance to all three sessions involving a pre-designated team, also are available for $65.

Tickets can be obtained through Ticketmaster (1-800-745-3000 or ticketmaster.com). Booster tickets are available by calling 407-939-1529.

Contact the writer:

679-2298, steve.pivovar@owh.com