So Long, Dana

Altman to Arkansas...The deal is done and Creighton's most successful basketball coach ever is joining the Hawgs.

First off, congratulations to Dana for turning the Bluejays--that other Nebraska school--into a perennial tournament team and being one of the major reasons mid-majors are so en vogue these days. Can't deny the guy his reward (or chance at major conference retribution, see: Kansas State). I think the thing Creighton will miss most is Altman's utter domination of Arch Madness and, of course, his honest, Wilbur-bred demeanor. We like that in the Good Life.

That said, I don't feel nearly as bad about this as I thought I would a week ago. Aside from the initial sinking of my gut when I saw an email entitled simply "Dana Altman" from the Yun' Ball Coach, I think I've handled it pretty well.

Two months ago, with the Jays in a funk, I questioned if the program had reached it's apex. Winning 20-games a year is still an achievement for any team in any conference, but with each year it became more alarming that the Jays still seemed grounded in terms of recruiting and tournament success. Maybe a new coach with new ideas can help give the program a nudge over the hump. It seems feasible, the hated Salukis have gone through three coaches and remained as the class of the MVC, why not Creighton?

I'm not trying to discount what Altman has built in North Omaha. Rather, because of his success, I think the expectations for his successor will be on improving the Jays standing. Creighton has been getting top-25 attendance figures for the past two years, now it's time for them to become a top-25 team.

And exactly who that successor will be is one of two questions that I think are vitally important for the future of Creighton basketball. Who the Jays are able to lure to Omaha will be a good barometer of their current standing in the basketball pecking order. Andy Katz lists Scott Sutton of ORU, son of Eddie Sutton, who, ironically, left Creighton for Arkansas in the 70s, as one of the leading candidates. Fine by me. It's an odd symmetry but I like it nonetheless. Otherwise, the Omaha World Herald lists some intriguing candidates, particularly John Groce of Ohio State. He's young and he's experienced success with Thad Motta which could prove to be the perfect mix.

The other big question is, what happens to Creighton's current crop of recruits? The Bluejays have reportedly reeled in some quality players for 07-08, now the trick is getting them to stay even though Altman is gone. Who knows how important his presence was in their verbal commitments.

Is it a great day to be a Jay? Not entirely. Is it a great day to be Dana Altman? Undoubtedly, and I think he deserves that.