Big East Basketball

The Xavier Musketeers have been mired in a rut that pushed them to the edge of the NCAA men's basketball tournament bubble. 

On Wednesday, Xavier can begin its final push to get into the field of 68 with one of the few Big East teams it actually had success against in the regular season.

Xavier beat the Butler Bulldogs in both head-to-head meetings this season and is listed as a six-point favorite to move on to the quarterfinals. 

The Providence Friars are the biggest favorite on the three-game slate for its matchup against the league's worst team, the DePaul Blue Demons. 

The opener between the Georgetown Hoyas and Marquette Golden Eagles could carry the most intrigue, and the winner of that contest may be able to make a run at Madison Square Garden since the top-seeded Villanova Wildcats are dealing with injuries. 

            

Big East Tournament 1st-Round Schedule

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

No. 8 Georgetown vs. No. 9 Marquette (-3) (Over/Under 143.5) (3 p.m. ET, FS1)

No. 7 Xavier (-6) vs. No. 10 Butler (O/U: 133.5) (6 p.m. ET, FS1)

No. 6 Providence (-7) vs. No. 11 DePaul (O/U: 132.5) (9 p.m. ET, FS1)

       

Betting Tips

Xavier (-6) vs. Butler 

Xavier's pair of double-digit wins over Butler make up two of the team's three wins in the last eight games. The Musketeers also earned a victory over the Creighton Bluejays in that stretch. 

Due to their inconsistency, the Musketeers dropped to the "last four in" line on the projected bracket from ESPN.com's Joe Lunardi. 

Xavier is one of three Big East teams that has work to do in New York to solidify its Big Dance status, and it is the only member of the trio in the bottom half of the bracket. 

The Musketeers should experience an easy start at Madison Square Garden against a team that averages 12 fewer points per game. 

The key to earning a third win over Butler is defending the three-point line. The Bulldogs shot a combined 11-for-56 from three-point range and did not shoot above 35 percent from the field in their two losses to Xavier. 

The three-point struggles are not exclusive to games against Xavier, as they made just five of their 26 three-point attempts in their regular-season finale against Creighton. 

While the Bulldogs have five players who average over 10 points per game, Xavier's top players score at a higher volume. Zach Freemantle and Paul Scruggs would both be the leading scorer on the Butler roster. 

Freemantle scored at least 12 points in six of his last seven games, and Scruggs had 18 points or more in three of his last four. 

If Xavier's two best scorers take advantage of their familiarity with Butler's defense and push their team out to an early lead, they could move forward to another double-digit win over the Bulldogs to set up a clash with Creighton. 

           

Marquette (- 3) vs. Georgetown

The winner of the Georgetown-Marquette game has a chance to be the Big East's bracket-buster since Villanova will be without Collin Gillespie and Justin Moore. 

To get to the quarterfinals, the winner of the matchup will likely have to grind out a victory in what is expected to be the tightest first-round game. 

Marquette comes into New York with four wins in its last five games. Each of those triumphs were by six points or more, including a double-digit nonconference victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels. 

The Golden Eagles did not beat the best teams in the Big East during that stretch, but they gained some valuable confidence heading into the conference tournament. 

Marquette also has a four-point win over Georgetown on its resume. In that game, Jamal Cain, who is averaging 9.7 points per game, posted 25 points with four three-pointers. 

Three Marquette players have double-digit point averages above Cain on the scoring chart, and D.J. Carton could be the member of the trio who breaks out in New York.

The Ohio State transfer eclipsed the 15-point mark in three of the last four games and has six performances with 15 or more points since the start of February. 

Georgetown gives up 73.4 points per game and is coming off a 98-point concession to the UConn Huskies. 

If the Hoyas do not improve their defense, they could be susceptible to an early exit in New York, while Marquette could have the chance to get hot and spring an upset versus a depleted top seed. 

           

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

Statistics obtained from ESPN.com.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).

The 2021 Big East Tournament is set to get underway Wednesday with plenty of potential ramifications for Selection Sunday on the line. 

Villanova is in search of its third consecutive conference tournament title. Excluding the 2020 event which was canceled midgame due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Villanova has beaten a different team in the finals in three straight seasons. 

Jay Wright's Wildcats will once again be the top seed. But they are far from a sure thing this year. They finished the season with an 11-4 record in conference play including a 4-4 record on the road. 

They won't be in the friendly confines of Finneran Pavilion for the tourney. They'll have to try to make Madison Square Garden feel like home with a group of contenders who aren't too far behind this season. 

Jerry Palm of CBS Sports' most recent bracket predictions have Villanova joined by Creighton, UConn and Xavier in the tournament field with St. John's also on the bubble. A strong performance from any of those teams could result in a higher seed, while ESPN's Joe Lunardi also has Seton Hall on the bubble. 

Here's a look at the complete bracket along with the schedule for the weekend. 

See you at @TheGarden. #BIGEASThoops x #MarchToMSG pic.twitter.com/vfT3W61a67

— BIG EAST MBB (@BIGEASTMBB) March 7, 2021

First Round—March 10

Game 1: No. 8 Georgetown vs. No. 9 Marquette, 3 p.m. ET on FS1

Game 2: No. 7 Xavier vs. No. 10 Butler, 6 p.m. ET on FS1

Game 3: No. 6 Providence vs. No. 11 DePaul, 9 p.m. ET on FS1

Quarterfinals—March 11

Game 4: No. 1 Villanova vs. Game 1 winner, Noon ET on FS1

Game 5: No. 4 St. John's vs. No. 5 Seton Hall, 3 p.m. ET on FS1

Game 6: No. 2 Creighton vs. Game 2 winner, 6 p.m. ET on FS1

Game 7: No. 3 UConn vs. Game 3 winner, 9 p.m. ET on FS1

Semifinals—March 12

Game 8: Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 6 p.m. ET on FS1

Game 9: Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 winner, 9 p.m. ET on FS1

Final—March 13

Game 10: Game 8 winner vs. Game 9 winner; 6:30 p.m. ET on FS1

     

The Wildcats will have their work cut out for them to make it four straight conference tournament championships. Guard Collin Gillespie's torn MCL will keep him out for the rest of the season, which leaves the team without it's leading distributor and second-leading scorer. 

The offense was lost in its only game since the Gillespie injury, losing to Providence 54-52 in the lead up to the tournament. To add injury to injury, fellow guard Justin Moore suffered an ankle injury against the Friars, and head coach Jay Wright classified him as doubtful for the tournament.  

The Wildcats were a precarious top seed as it was. With two key players out, the tournament feels really open. 

Hoping to fill in the role of tournament favorite is Creighton. The Bluejays had the most wins in conference play this season, and they feature a balanced attack that has five players scoring over 10 points per game and a lead guard in Marcus Zegarowski who can light up the scoreboard when necessary. 

In the season finale against Butler, he put up 32 points on 10-of-12 shooting including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. Those are the kind of performances that can carry a team on a tournament run and make a statement heading into March Madness. 

UConn is another team hoping to take advantage of Villanova's misfortune. They too have a special guard in fellow All-Big East performer James Bouknight. The sophomore missed all but one game in January and the first half of February with injury but has come back on a tear. 

So smooth... Bouk leads all scorers with 16 #ThisIsUConn | #PullTheSled pic.twitter.com/3hLHR1Omvw

— UConn Men's Basketball (@UConnMBB) March 6, 2021

He has 20 points or more in four of his last five contests and is shooting 47.2 percent from the floor. He's joined by Big East co-Defensive Player of the Year Isaiah Whaley on a well-balanced team. The Huskies are 25th in the nation in offensive efficiency and 29th on the defensive end, per KenPom. 

The quarterfinal matchup between Seton Hall and St. John's is the most intriguing early-round game. The Pirates and Red Storm's tournament chances are hanging on by a threat going into Championship Week and a loss in the quarterfinals would likely be a death knell for either side. 

The Pirates have suffered a total collapse heading into the tourney. They have lost four straight games including the season finale to the Red Storm in which they squandered an 18-point lead. 

.@JulianChampagn2 ‼️ #SJUBB pic.twitter.com/oO6aG2Vx7S

— St. John's Men’s Basketball (@StJohnsBBall) March 7, 2021

St. John's, on the other hand, hasn't recaptured its top form from January, but it has played well in the last two games. It'll need big performances from first team All-Big East selection Julian Champagnie if it wants to go beyond the quarterfinals.

          

Championship Prediction: UConn over Villanova

Even with the injuries, the Wildcats' road to the championship is such that Jay Wright should have them in good enough form to get to the championship game. Winning it is another matter.

The bottom half of the bracket is where the true threats to the Cats are. Whoever comes through that side is going to have an excellent chance to breaking Villanova's streak. 

Right now, it's tough not to like UConn for what they can do on both ends of the floor and the play of a healthy Bouknight. They are currently a No. 9 seed at the NCAA tournament based on the consensus of bracketology compiled by Bracket Matrix. 

A conference title may be enough to bump them up a few seeds. 

Creighton athletic director Bruce Rasmussen announced Monday head coach Greg McDermott would be reinstated and cleared to participate in all team activities, including this week's Big East tournament, after his racially insensitive comments in late February. 

A statement from Creighton Athletic Director Bruce Rasmussen regarding the Creighton Men’s Basketball Program: pic.twitter.com/tNBJqlxcMl

— Creighton University (@Creighton) March 8, 2021

"Specifically, I said: 'Guys, we got to stick together. We need both feet in. I need everybody to stay on the plantation," McDermott told reporters several days after Creighton's 77-69 loss on Feb. 27. "I can't have anybody leave the plantation."

The school suspended McDermott March 4 after initially saying any punishment would remain confidential.

"Fr. Hendrickson and I engaged with other senior leaders in dialogue and discussion regarding appropriate sanctions for the remarks made by Head Men's Basketball Coach Greg McDermott that were not in alignment with Creighton's commitment to racial equity, diversity and respect," Rasmussen said in a statement after McDermott was suspended.

He added: "Coach McDermott and our Athletic program must use this incident as an opportunity for growth and learning, as clearly more work needs to be done."

McDermott said he agreed with the school's decision:

I made a mistake and I own it. Mistakes come with consequences, and I accept and agree with the suspension. https://t.co/pYOT0X0nMx

— Coach McDermott (@cucoachmac) March 5, 2021

Assistant Al Huss served as the interim head coach while McDermott was suspended. 

McDermott, 56, has been Creighton's men's basketball coach since the 2010-11 season, leading the Bluejays to a 249-123 record in that time and five NCAA tournament appearances (that number would have been six after Creighton went 24-7 last year, but the NCAA tournament was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic). 

This year, the Bluejays are 18-7 and sit second in the Big East standings, with another March Madness berth on the horizon.

The Villanova Wildcats have had a hold on the Big East tournament over the last five years, but they are not favored to capture the 2021 edition.

Villanova is the No. 1 seed but is listed behind the Creighton Bluejays and UConn Huskies in the betting due to the absence of guard Collin Gillespie, who recently suffered a torn MCL. 

Jay Wright's team struggled in its first game without Gillespie in which it dealt with another injury blow to Justin Moore. 

Creighton's overall resume suggests it can handle the rigors of the Big East tournament, but it dealt with some issues of its own over the last three games. 

Of the three teams with the best odds, UConn feels like the safest bet because its top player is healthy and playing at a high level.

         

Big East Bracket and Schedule

THE @BIGEAST TOURNAMENT BRACKET IS SET 🤩

Who's your pick to cut down the nets in Madison Square Garden? pic.twitter.com/P53YQZDXvQ

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 7, 2021

Championship Odds

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Creighton (+200; bet $100 to win $200)

UConn (+235)

Villanova (+400)

Xavier (+470)

Seton Hall (+775)

St. John's (+2000)

Providence (+3000)

Georgetown (+6000)

Marquette (+6000)

Butler (+8000)

DePaul (+30000)

    

Villanova is the three-time defending champion of the Big East tournament, but a victory this time around would be viewed as a minor upset. 

The Wildcats struggled to score points in their first game without Gillespie against the Providence Friars on Saturday. 

They eventually pieced together a run and only lost by two points, but it managed just 52 points while shooting 32.7 percent from the field. 

Gillespie is Villanova's second-leading scorer with 14 points per game, and he leads the unit with 4.6 assists per contest. 

Moore, who was expected to take on most of Gillespie's responsibilities, suffered a "pretty severe" ankle sprain, according to Wright. 

If Moore's ankle does not heal in a few days, Villanova could be without its top two assisters for the start of the Big East tournament and beyond. 

Villanova will still have three players who average over 10 points per game on the floor, but shots could be harder to come by with more of a focus on Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Jermaine Samuels and Caleb Daniels. 

The good news for Villanova is that it has a game against either the Georgetown Hoyas or Marquette Golden Eagles to fix its offensive woes before it faces a more challenging matchup in the semifinals. 

However, there is a chance the Wildcats are upset in the semifinals by the Seton Hall Pirates or St. John's Red Storm. 

ESPN's Joe Lunardi listed Seton Hall on the "first four out" line and St. John's among the "next four out" group on Sunday. 

St. John's beat Villanova in the regular season, and it won its last two games to have a shot at the field of 68. The momentum created by those wins could make the Red Storm an intriguing long shot at +2000.

The most likely possibility features the winner of the bottom half of the bracket taking home the tournament crown on Saturday night. 

Creighton beat UConn in both of their regular-season meetings, but those matchups occurred before February. 

The Bluejays suffered losses to Villanova and the Xavier Musketeers at the end of the regular season, which could make them vulnerable to another loss in New York.

UConn is on a four-game winning streak, and its only loss since February 13 came at the hands of Villanova. 

James Bouknight enters New York in the best form of any player, as he has 102 points in the last five games. In five of the six games since his injury return, Bouknight has shot over 40 percent from the field. 

If the Huskies receive the similar production level from Bouknight over three games, they could channel the spirit of Kemba Walker and the 2011 team that defeated the Louisville Cardinals in the Big East tournament. 

         

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

Statistics obtained from ESPN.com.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL).

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or call or text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789 (TN).

The UConn Huskies' return to the Big East tournament could be one of their most successful postseason ventures in recent memory.

UConn enters Madison Square Garden as the No. 3 seed, but it is playing some of the best basketball of any team in the country.

The Villanova Wildcats and Creighton Bluejays took first and second in the Big East regular season, but they experienced some struggles of late.

Villanova won four of the past five Big East tournaments, but its title defense will be more difficult than in previous years with Collin Gillespie out of the lineup.

                    

Big East Tournament Bracket and Schedule

THE @BIGEAST TOURNAMENT BRACKET IS SET 🤩

Who's your pick to cut down the nets in Madison Square Garden? pic.twitter.com/P53YQZDXvQ

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 7, 2021

      

Predictions

UConn Makes Run to Final

UConn flipped from a team struggling to win conference games to one of the hottest teams in the country in the past month.

The Huskies won six of their final seven regular-season games. The run was spurred by the return of James Bouknight, who scored 20 points in four of his last five appearances.

Bouknight completed the regular season with 21 points and five three-pointers in a blowout win over the Georgetown Hoyas. The star guard has a solid supporting cast around him, led by R.J. Cole and Adama Sanogo.

In five of their past six victories, the Huskies won by double digits, which leads you to believe they will handle their business against the lower seeds in any matchups.

UConn split its regular-season contests with Creighton and lost to Villanova by eight on February 20, when Gillespie was still leading the Nova offense.

Creighton may be vulnerable in New York since it lost two of its past three contests by a combined 20 points to the Xavier Musketeers and Villanova. The Bluejays bounced back with a win over the Butler Bulldogs on Saturday, but that result does not carry much significant since Butler is near the bottom of the conference.

Bouknight should be able to counter Marcus Zegarowski's impact in the Creighton backcourt, and if the supporting cast continues to play well, the Huskies could take down the Bluejays and advance to the Big East tournament final.

                  

St. John's Pushes Villanova, Makes Run at NCAA Tournament Berth

St. John's is one of the most intriguing teams to watch during Championship Week.

The Red Storm won three of their last five games, with one of the two defeats coming at the hands of Villanova.

According to ESPN's Joe Lunardi, St. John's is one of the "next four out" teams, but it does have a chance to make a push toward the field of 68.

Mike Anderson's team faces the Seton Hall Pirates in a head-to-head bubble showdown Thursday and then should have a shot at Villanova in the semifinals.

Villanova mustered 52 points in its first game without Gillespie, and the Red Storm beat it in the first of their two meetings February 3.

If St. John's outclasses Seton Hall in the quarterfinal and could beat, or challenge, Villanova in the semifinals, it could make a push toward the field of 68.

St. John's still needs some help to reach the Big Dance, but if a few other bubble teams lose and it earns a quality result against Villanova, it could make a stronger case to be chosen by the selection committee.

               

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90. Statistics obtained from ESPN.com.

Creighton junior forward Christian Bishop, sophomore guard Shereef Mitchell, senior guard Denzel Mahoney, sophomore guard Antwann Jones and senior forward Damien Jefferson each took part in a pregame video Saturday that served as the players' first public remarks following news that head coach Greg McDermott had used a racially insensitive analogy to attempt to promote team chemistry following a loss.

Per Jon Nyatawa of the Omaha World-Herald, the video was shown before the Bluejays' 93-73 Senior Day win over Butler.

It aired one week after McDermott told Creighton players that they needed to "stay on the plantation" after a 77-69 road loss to Xavier on Feb. 27, ending a four-game winning streak.

Three days later, McDermott issued a public apology on Twitter.

I’m sorry. pic.twitter.com/tE6thM1aRc

— Coach McDermott (@cucoachmac) March 2, 2021

McDermott has since been suspended indefinitely from all team activities, per a statement from Creighton director of athletics Bruce Rasmussen. The coach publicly agreed with the suspension on Twitter while acknowledging that he made a mistake.

The black-and-white video featured all five players making remarks one-by-one.

"James Baldwin said not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed without being faced," Bishop said, per the Associated Press.

Mitchell added, per the AP:

"For slaves, life on a plantation was filled with mental, emotional, physical, psychological and sexual abuse. You were owned as property and not human. Slaves had no rights and no voice. They were branded like cattle, forced from their homeland and stripped of their culture, language and basic human rights. They worked 18 hours a day six days a week. Any sign of wrongdoing such as lack of productivity, not following instructions or resistance would result in beatings or death and that is why..."

Mahoney finished Mitchell's sentence with: "What Coach Mac said hurt me and my teammates."

Jones then provided his remarks, per the AP: "People speak about inequalities and equalities but don't truly know what it means to be equal. And I feel like this is the start for a new conversation to be had in the future. Let's continue to educate each other and let's continue to grow."

Jefferson looked directly into the camera for the closing comments, per Nyatawa, who said that the senior was "perhaps addressing the divided reaction to this week's news among fans and community members."

"If I was your son, would it matter then?" Jefferson asked. "Let's not be OK with racism. Let's start the conversation."

The video then ended in silence, and the players on-court were shown locking arms. "Lift Every Voice and Sing" was also played in CHI Health Center Arena.

After the game, Marcus Zegarowski spoke about players' reactions to the analogy while also providing his support for McDermott.

"A lot of guys in that locker room were hurting from it, and I was hurting from what he said," Zegarowski said," per Nyatawa.

"But at the same time, Coach Mac, he's been a huge mentor for me. And I know he would take a bullet for me, and everybody in that locker room, including the coaching staff."

Zegarowski added: "That's my guy."

McDermott, 56, has been Creighton's head coach since 2010. His last game with the Bluejays was on Wednesday in a loss to Villanova. The suspension was handed down Thursday, and Al Huss served as the interim coach Saturday.

Creighton will play next on Thursday against a to-be-determined opponent in the Big East tournament quarterfinals.

Creighton men's basketball coach Greg McDermott has been suspended from all team activities in the wake of racially insensitive comments made following a loss in late February.

I made a mistake and I own it. Mistakes come with consequences, and I accept and agree with the suspension. https://t.co/pYOT0X0nMx

— Coach McDermott (@cucoachmac) March 5, 2021

In a statement from the university, athletic director Bruce Rasmussen explained the decision stemmed from conversations with senior leaders and further sanctions "remain under consideration", though those decisions may not be made public. 

McDermott apologized earlier this week and acknowledged the image of slavery his phrasing evoked. 

I’m sorry. pic.twitter.com/tE6thM1aRc

— Coach McDermott (@cucoachmac) March 2, 2021

"Guys, we got to stick together," McDermott told his players, per the Omaha World-Herald's Jon Nyatawa. "We need both feet in. I need everybody to stay on the plantation. I can't have anybody leave the plantation."

Earlier Thursday, the coach told 1620 The Zone's Unsportsmanlike Conduct he offered to resign his position.

Assistant coach Al Huss will serve as the Bluejays' interim head coach until further notice. 

Another of McDermott's assistants, Terrence Rencher, released a statement March 2 explaining the hurt he felt by the coach's phrasing while reaffirming his commitment to support the players on the roster. Those players decided to keep McDermott for the remainder of the season. 

Our players are going through a tough time. They are my priority. #Coaches4Action pic.twitter.com/0UZ2vEWizY

— Terrence Rencher (@TeeRench) March 3, 2021

While McDermott still has a job, he won't be finishing the rest of the Big East schedule with his team. 

The No. 14 Bluejays host Butler in their regular-season finale Saturday at CenturyLink Center and are just half a game back of No. 10 Villanova for the division title. 

It's unclear if McDermott will be allowed to coach during the Big East Tournament or NCAA tournament with Creighton expected to play a major role in both.

McDermott, 56, has led the Bluejays since 2010 after four years at Iowa State. He's overseen the program's transition from Missouri Valley Conference member to the Big East, having made the NCAA tournament in all but four years at Creighton. 

Rasmussen called for both the athletics department and the coach to grow from the incident writing "clearly more work needs to be done."

Villanova will be without one of its senior leaders for the rest of the season and the NCAA men's basketball tournament. 

According to Jeff Borzello of ESPN, guard Collin Gillespie suffered a torn MCL during Wednesday's victory over Creighton and will likely miss the rest of the season. This is a devastating loss for the Wildcats, who are national title contenders, Big East champions and competing for a top seed in the Big Dance.

Villanova head coach Jay Wright thanked people for their support in wake of the news:

NovaNation – thanks for your prayers and concern . Collin and the Villanova Basketball Family are overwhelmed with the outpouring of concern and support . https://t.co/CtGrgeeev2

— Jay Wright (@CoachJayWright) March 4, 2021

"We are all devastated for Collin," Wright said. "He is the heart and soul of our program. We know we can't replace him. We all just want to step up and play so that we honor him. ... Collin is as mentally tough and resilient as any player we have had here. I know he will get through this and make it a positive for his career."

Gillespie is second on the Wildcats in points (14.0) and leads them in both assists (4.6) and steals (1.0) per game, underscoring how valuable he is in a number of areas.

He is also shooting 37.6 percent from three-point range as someone who can hit from the outside, attack the basket off the bounce and set up teammates as the floor general for the Big East champions.

Villanova will likely rely even more on the combination of Caleb Daniels and Bryan Antoine in the backcourt with Gillespie sidelined.

The Wildcats are scheduled to finish their regular season Saturday against Providence.

Creighton men's basketball coach Greg McDermott offered to resign if players asked him to after he made racially insensitive remarks in a recent locker room speech. 

"This is their team," McDermott said in an interview on 1620 The Zone's Unsportsmanlike Conduct. "... If they would have chosen to have me walk away, I would have walked away. But that is not what they wanted."

The head coach came under fire for his post-game speech that used slavery imagery after a Feb. 27 loss to Xavier.

"Guys, we got to stick together," McDermott told his players, per the Omaha World-Herald's Jon Nyatawa. "We need both feet in. I need everybody to stay on the plantation. I can't have anybody leave the plantation."

McDermott has since apologized for his words:

I’m sorry. pic.twitter.com/tE6thM1aRc

— Coach McDermott (@cucoachmac) March 2, 2021

The coach, who is white, said he has never used the analogy before.

Assistant coach Terrence Rencher, who is Black, said on Twitter he was "deeply hurt" by McDermott's speech:

Our players are going through a tough time. They are my priority. #Coaches4Action pic.twitter.com/0UZ2vEWizY

— Terrence Rencher (@TeeRench) March 3, 2021

There are also several Black players on the team.

McDermott is in his 11th season with Creighton after taking the job in 2010, winning two regular-season titles, two conference tournament titles and five trips to the NCAA tournament in his tenure. The Blue Jays enter their final regular-season game Saturday against Butler with a 17-7 record.