Former Bluejay Mitch Ballock returns to Creighton as a graduate assistant
Creighton men’s basketball intends to add former Bluejay Mitch Ballock to its staff as a graduate assistant, a source told the World-Herald.
The move follows movement in the program following video coordinator Casey Matthews’ departure.
Ballock, who played four seasons at CU, plans to embark on a coaching career after spending the past couple of years trying his hand at the professional ranks.
After his Creighton career ended in 2021, Ballock spent some time with the Cleveland Charge, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ G League affiliate. He spent the past year playing with German club Mitteldeutscher BC.
At just 25 years old, Ballock’s playing days will come to a relatively premature end. The 6-foot-5 wing willingly turned away from life overseas to jumpstart his career on the sidelines, reuniting with Greg McDermott and Creighton.
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Ballock was best known for being an elite shooter, averaging 10 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 while shooting 39.8% from deep as a Bluejay. Playing alongside players like Marcus Zegarowski and Ty-Shon Alexander, Ballock’s shooting touch made him a prized starter for some of McDermott’s most successful teams, including the 2020-21 group that reached the Sweet 16.
With McDermott lobbing comparisons between Ballock and senior Baylor Scheierman at least a couple times last year, Ballock’s addition makes for a convenient fit regarding player development. He steps into a role where his combination of familiarity with the program, youth, and playstyle prove practical.
Photos: Creighton takes on San Diego State in Elite Eight
Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman (55) covers his face while walking off the court following the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
San Diego State’s Darrion Trammell (12) shoots a free throw with 1.2 seconds left in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton head coach Greg McDermott yells at an official during the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton fans watch the final seconds of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner (11), Arthur Kaluma (24) and and Trey Alexander (23) and San Diego State’s Nathan Mensah (31) and Matt Bradley (20) go up for the rebound in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton’s Arthur Kaluma (24) is fouled by San Diego State’s Micah Parrish (3) in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton’s Arthur Kaluma (24), Baylor Scheierman (55), Ryan Nembhard (2) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) walk toward the bench during the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
San Diego State fans celebrate in the final seconds of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton’s Ryan Nembhard (2) has his right hand a wrist looked at during the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
San Diego State celebrates winning the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
San Diego State’s Aguek Arop (33) celebrates with a bit of the net following the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton’s Arthur Kaluma (24) collides with San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee (13) in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
The San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton’s Trey Alexander (23) in the final seconds of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
The Creighton bench and fans react to a call in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton head coach Greg McDermott yells at an official during the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) gets the ball in the hood over San Diego State’s Aguek Arop (33) in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton’s Arthur Kaluma (24) keeps the ball from San Diego State’s Micah Parrish (3) in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton fans watch the final seconds of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton’s Arthur Kaluma (24) shoots the ball over San Diego State’s Matt Bradley (20) in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton’s Trey Alexander (23) brings the ball down court while up against San Diego State’s Adam Seiko (2) in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton’s Ryan Nembhard (2) keeps the ball away from his right hand and wrist during the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton fans watch the final seconds of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
San Diego State and Creighton fans react to a play in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Fans react to a play in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Fans react immediately after the end of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
San Diego State’s Jared Barnett (4) celebrates following the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton’s Ryan Nembhard (2) closes his eyes after a foul was called against him with 1.2 seconds left in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
San Diego State head coach Brian Dutcher watches his team in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton fans cheer during the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
San Diego State celebrates following the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday. San Diego State won the game 57-56.
Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) goes for two points in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton’s Arthur Kaluma (24) eyes the hoop in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton’s Ryan Nembhard (2) keeps the ball from San Diego State’s Lamont Butler (5) in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton’s Arthur Kaluma (24) grabs a rebound away fro San Diego State’s Keshad Johnson (0) in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman (55) keeps the ball from San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee (13) and Micah Parrish (3) in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) dives for the ball in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
San Diego State’s Aguek Arop (33) plays in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton fans react to a play in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) competes in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) gets his arms up in front of San Diego State’s Jaedon LeDee (13) in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton cheerleaders perform during a break in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton’s Trey Alexander (23) controls the ball in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton head coach Greg McDermott calls out to his team in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
San Diego State’s Lamont Butler (5) powers through Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman (55) in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
San Diego State’s Aguek Arop (33) slams into the media table in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton’s Shereef Mitchell (4) keeps an eye on San Diego State’s Darrion Trammell (12) in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton fans react to a play in the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton head coach Greg McDermott, left, and San Diego State head coach Brian Dutcher meets before the start of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton’s Arthur Kaluma (24) warms up ahead of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
A ball with a March Madness logo ahead of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Fans arrive for the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton’s Ryan Nembhard (2) wears headphones as he warms up ahead of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton warms up ahead of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton’s Trey Alexander (23) warms up ahead of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Fans arrive for the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
The court is painted ahead of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA Elite Eight men’s basketball game in Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Creighton fans attend mass in a hotel ballroom ahead of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA men’s basketball Elite Eight in downtown Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
William Martinez, of Sutherland, Neb., and other Creighton fans attend mass in a hotel ballroom ahead of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA men’s basketball Elite Eight in downtown Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.
Patty Galas, the administrative assistant for the Creighton men’s basketball program, offers communion as Creighton fans attend mass in a hotel ballroom ahead of the San Diego State vs. Creighton NCAA men’s basketball Elite Eight in downtown Louisville, Ky., on Sunday.