College Sports Established
1900
Location
Omaha, Nebraska
College Name
Creighton University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1909 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2013 - Present / Big East Conference
1928 - 1948, 1976 - 2013 / Missouri Valley Conference
1922 – 1928 / North Central Conference
Nickname
Bluejays - The Creighton Bluejays are an NCAA Division I college basketball team that has existed since the early 1900s. As one of the oldest teams in collegiate sports, their nickname is steeped in history and tradition. The origins of the name "Bluejays" can be traced back to 1921 when two students at Creighton University suggested it as an homage to their school colors: blue and white.
There were no official mascots or nicknames associated with any college athletic programs, so it was up to each school to decide what they wanted their teams' names and mascots. In response to these two students’ suggestion for “Bluejays” as a mascot for Creighton athletics, university officials agreed that this would make an excellent choice due to its connection with both color schemes used by the school—blue representing knowledge and wisdom while white symbolizes purity—as well as its representation of strength through flight (the jaybird being known for flying high).
In addition, having a bird-based mascot also fits perfectly into the university's commitment to protecting wildlife on campus grounds, which was established earlier during World War I when many native birds were threatened by human encroachment on natural habitats throughout Nebraska, where Creighton is located. This commitment continues today with numerous conservation projects like planting trees near riverside trails or creating new wetlands across campus grounds, ensuring local species remain safe from harm while allowing visitors to enjoy nature at its best!
So next time you cheer your favorite basketball team onto victory, remember how far back those colors go - all thanks to two creative minds who gave us one great nickname: The Blue Jays!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1924
- 1926
- 1964
- 2013
- 2020
-
The athletic teams adopt the nickname “Bluejays”
In 1924: The athletic teams adopt the nickname “Bluejays” after a contest in December 19231. Before that, they were known as the “Hilltoppers” or the “White and Blue”. -
The men’s basketball team plays its first season
In 1926: The men’s basketball team plays its first season under coach Arthur A. Schabinger. -
Rebounding King – Creighton’s Paul Silas
Silas attended Creighton University, where he set an NCAA record for the most rebounds in three seasons and averaged 20.6 rebounds per game in 1963. -
Creighton Bluejays basketball joins the Big East Conference
In 2013: The men’s basketball team, led by National Player of the Year Doug McDermott, joins the Big East Conference after leaving the MVC. -
The men’s basketball team wins its first Big East regular season title
In 2020: The men’s basketball team wins its first Big East regular season title and finishes ranked No. 7 in the final AP poll before the NCAA Tournament is canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Bluejays
Creighton's roots can be traced back to 1907, when they first began competing against other schools, but it wasn't until 1941 that they officially joined Division I athletics and became a member of what is now known as Conference USA (C-USA). Since then, the Bluejays have won numerous conference championships and made several appearances at March Madness and NIT tournaments. In addition to success on the court, Creighton also boasts impressive academic achievements with alumni such as NBA Hall-of-Famer Bob Cousy, who attended law school there after his playing days.
In recent years under head coach Greg McDermott (who took over from Dana Altman), The Jays have seen incredible success, including two consecutive Big East regular season titles from 2014 - 2016, along with four consecutive trips to March Madness between 2012 - 2015 where they advanced all way up through Sweet 16 round twice during this time frame! With talented core group players like Khyri Thomas leading charge, next year looks even brighter for the team blue & white faithful!
Overall it’s safe to say that despite its long history dating back more than a century ago; today's version of the program remains a competitive force within NCAA ranks thanks to solid leadership guidance provided by Coach McDermott & commitment to excellence displayed by student-athletes each day practice court game night alike!
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