Creighton Basketball’s 7 fifth-year seniors are ‘ready for one last ride’

The senior guard is one of five Creighton players — along with Mallory Brake, Jayme Horan, Morgan Maly and Molly Mogensen — from last season who put their lives on hold and returned for their final extra year of eligibility.

“I think we’re all ready for one last race,” Jensen said.

Coach Jim Flanery said before Wednesday’s practice that it was a dream to have seven fifth-year players on the roster. The Bluejays returned that veteran core and added a few seasoned transfers this offseason who are also in their final season.

He certainly has to remind himself sometimes that even if he nitpicks a practice or workout, it should still be an enjoyable season. That doesn’t always mean things will be perfect, Flanery said, but he wants to enjoy his time with this group.

This is the purpose of this farewell tour. This will be a season-long swan song for some of the most pivotal plays from one of the most successful eras in program history.

The Jays still want to push UConn to the top of the Big East, and they want to get back — and beyond — to the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament.

But neither Flanery nor Jensen have made any secret of the fact that they’ll have to balance that with the feeling they’ll carry all season.

“It’s something we definitely talked about, especially in fifth grade,” Jensen said. “We really intend to be in the moment, but also be forward-looking.”

Flanery has seen it before too.

The longest session of Tuesday’s practice ended in a tie. Flanery didn’t let them finish, reasoning that he had given them the allotted time to be the better team and they still ended up tied. The players hated it, he said.

“I think it shows their competitiveness,” Flanery said. “I don’t think they’re going to lose that.”

And the relationship between Flanery and his players only helps. He’s as sentimental about this season as they are.

There’s a trust that comes with the bond, and the longtime coach wants his players’ input because of that. Previously, that meant asking them when they wanted to work out. Now that means asking them what sets they want to perform.

Flanery players – this group in particular – are more engaged than ever.

“I think it’s rare. I think it’s unique. I think it’s fun. I feel pretty spoiled,” Flanery said.

“That doesn’t mean I won’t face them this year. There will be times when human nature is sometimes complacent about certain things. I’ll criticize them a little here and there, but I hope these are fairly rare occurrences.

Creighton’s first practice was Saturday. His last match won’t be for months.

This journey, which Flanery and a team of senior executives will travel for the last time, is not close to being over. In fact, it hasn’t even started.

It’s okay with the Jays. They will cherish every moment of it.

“Obviously there’s still work to do,” Flanery said, “but I want to enjoy it.”