Dana Altman has tagged Creighton newcomer Darryl Ashford with the nickname of “Sleepy.''

“He says that's how I always look,'' Ashford said, smiling.

Altman might be forced to come up with something different if Ashford plays every basketball game as he did his first one in a Creighton uniform. The junior-college transfer scored 16 points in Wednesday's 94-69 exhibition victory over Missouri Western.

Twelve of Ashford's points came on 4-of-5 shooting from 3-point range. The 6-foot-4 guard also had five assists, two rebounds and a steal in 20 minutes against the Division II Griffons.

“I'm starting to get more comfortable with the offense and knowing what Coach wants me to do,'' Ashford said. “But I still have a lot to prove.''

Creighton's other junior-college transfer, Wayne Runnels, also showed well in his debut. The 6-6 forward from Northern Oklahoma College made 6 of 8 shots in scoring 13 points. He also contributed a game-high six rebounds to go along with an assist and a blocked shots in 21 minutes.

“They did a great job,'' Creighton coach Dana Altman said. “Darryl shot the ball really well, and Wayne did some good things inside. From an offensive standpoint, they got off to a good start. Defensively, they were a little shaky, but I thought they did a great job for the first night out.''

Runnels scored 11 of his points after halftime, displaying several nifty inside moves. Ashford also had a productive second half, recording 10 of his points in the final 20 minutes.

He admitted that his knees were knocking a bit when he first took the court.

“I was a little nervous,'' he said. “That was probably as nervous as I've been in awhile. That's probably the biggest crowd I've ever played in front of, and it wasn't even that packed.''

Runnels has experienced Qwest Center Omaha when it has been. He was a part of 16,984 who showed up last March to watch the Bluejays take on Kentucky in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament. He committed the next day.

“I was more excited than nervous,'' Runnels said, referring to his pregame emotions. “I've been waiting since the Kentucky game to get on the floor and have my turn.''

Runnels and Ashford figure to be key components in the Bluejays' plans this season. Runnels set Northern Oklahoma's career rebounding record in his two seasons at the school and the Bluejays brought him in to shore up their shortcomings in that area.

Ashford's versatility is what caught the eye of Creighton's coaches while playing for Jacksonville (Texas) Junior College. He led the Jaguars in scoring, steals and blocked shots last season while playing everywhere on the court from the point to the post.

The early scouting report on Ashford was that he preferred to drive the ball to the basket over spotting up from the perimeter. His work in preseason practice has showed his teammates that he can be dangerous at doing both.

“We've seen him shoot like that in practice,'' guard P'Allen Stinnett said. “He got some open looks and he knocked them down. We have a lot of weapons on this team, and he just adds to them.''

Ashford and Runnels will try to build on their opening-night performances when Creighton plays its second exhibition at 2:05 p.m. Sunday against the University of Nebraska at Omaha. It represents the next step the pair will make in the sometimes difficult transition from junior-college basketball to the Division I level.

Justin Carter went through that last season, struggling through the early going before settling in to become Creighton's leading rebounder and fourth-leading scorer. Carter said he's encouraged by the progress Ashford and Runnels have made thus far.

“They're fitting in well,'' Carter said. “They're both shooting the ball with confidence. You know you're going to have your ups and downs and your bad days, but we're looking toward them to be major players on this team.''

Ÿ NOTES: Creighton will hold a coat drive for the Siena-Francis House in conjunction with Sunday's exhibition game against UNO at Qwest Center Omaha. Fans donating used coats will receive free admission to the 2:05 p.m. game or a coupon that can be used for two free upper bowl reserved tickets to the Nov. 17 home opener against Florida A&M. Coat collection receptacles will be placed at the main arena entrance on 10th Street and at the guest services booth located on the concourse level behind Section 116.

Contact the writer:

679-2298, steve.pivovar@owh.com