If you think basketball couldn't possibly survive outside the coasts or without the hype machine of the so-called ‘big teams,’ let the 2017–18 Creighton Bluejays teach you a lesson. A lone eagle—or should I say, Bluejay—soars the highest when it's flying against the wind. These stalwart bird-men showed up in Omaha, Nebraska, and turned the stadium into a fortress. Under the keen gaze of their head coach Greg McDermott, the Bluejays lit up the court like fireworks on the Fourth of July, becoming a beacon of grit, determination, and timeless American values.
With that ‘underdog’ badge pinned proudly to their jerseys, the Creighton Bluejays were not knocking on doors for an invitation. No sir, they were kicking those doors open, reminding everyone what the heart of basketball really looks like—hard work and nothing but pure, unadulterated effort. Between November 2017 and March 2018, the Bluejays captivated every fan in the Big East Conference and beyond, finishing the season 21–12 in overall play. They made sure every game was a display of passion and strategic prowess. And let's face it: who doesn't love a team that can charge onto the court and play like it owns the place?
Their home, the CHI Health Center Omaha, was more than just a place for collection of free-throw points; it was their nest, and every opponent entering knew they’d walk into a storm. They picked apart Notre Dame like they were solving a kindergarten puzzle and also took down the likes of UCLA, showcasing intense dedication and skill. It was like David versus Goliath, but guess what? David had better aim this time.
Khyri Thomas and Marcus Foster were the twin engines propelling the Bluejays forward, functioning like an oasis in the midwestern basketball landscape. These players led the charge with their powerhouse combination of talent, hard work, and a desire to leave a legacy. Khyri Thomas' finesse in defense made the opposing teams' star players look like they were dribbling with oven mitts. Marcus Foster was fearless as he launched three-pointers that triggered crowd roars loud enough to register on the local seismic instruments.
Imagine the sweet, sweet sound of sneakers screeching across the court, the swish of the net as the ball drops through like it was fate itself that brought it there. That's what it was like watching the Bluejays challenge conventional thinking. And they did this with a sincerity that couldn't be rehearsed, proving once more that basketball isn’t just a number game; it is a communal experience that hammers the truth: teamwork conquers all.
Sure, some talking heads might debate the significance of college basketball when compared to the big leagues, but these folks have apparently never observed a team like the Bluejays. The critics can keep their spreadsheets and their academic conferences. Real fans care about heart—and this team had it in spades. This must have been confusing to liberals who prefer to think sports should only be for everyone when it fits their ideological narrative.
It was a tough season in many respects, but resilience was the magic word. Coach McDermott knew the pressures and the expectations but used a blue-collar ethos to foster a collective willpower in his band of players. There were lessons in humility, in faith, and in sheer grit. You’d be hard-pressed to find another season that offered as many teachable moments about perseverance in the face of opposition.
Now let's pause for a moment to appreciate the impact of this season long after the last buzzer had sounded. The community felt the vibrations, the excitement, and the sheer pride of having seen their home team leave it all on the floor. While the March Madness tournament may not have ended as they would have preferred, with a first-round exit, the legacy doesn't end there. Their presence and performance were an anthem to what truly makes this beautiful game the best: hope, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence.
So here’s the real deal: the 2017–18 Creighton Bluejays exemplified something it's easy to overlook unless you're intentionally searching for it—a deep-seated love for the game, for each other, and for the fans that’s nothing short of infectious. This was a squad molded by values that were unabashedly quintessential and profoundly respectable. Call it what you will, but that season was a great moment in history that should be celebrated, analyzed, praised and, most importantly, replicated.
If you're looking for a college team to root for, the Bluejays epitomized the fight of the small-town favorite that not only reaches for the stars but occasionally holds them in its grasp, teaching the rest of us what it truly means to fly high and achieve greatness.