KU walk-on Bahe transferring to Creighton

By Gary Bedore, Assistant Sports Editor, Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Seeking significant playing time down the line, Kansas University sophomore basketball walk-on Nick Bahe has decided to transfer to Creighton University. "My move comes down to being a kid who misses playing. I'm a competitive kid who truly wants to play, and I think I have an opportunity to do that at Creighton," said Bahe, a 6-foot-3 former football and hoops standout at Lincoln (Neb.) Southeast High, an hour's drive from Creighton's campus in Omaha.

"I truly loved every minute at Kansas," said Bahe, who played 42 minutes in 11 games last season. "I put my heart in this, and I want the state of Kansas to know I appreciate all the love and support the people gave me, because I truly love and support the program."

Bahe will walk on at Creighton for an upcoming red-shirt season, then be awarded a scholarship if Dana Altman's coaching staff thinks he has the ability to impact the squad. If not, he'll remain a walk-on. "Bringing in three McDonald's All-Americans, the deck is stacked high (at KU)," Bahe said. "I spoke to coach Altman. He thinks I have a good opportunity to play there.

"The first year, I'm a walk-on. From a business aspect, coach Altman hasn't seen me play in two years. It comes down to the heat of battle, going there and competing. There's no guarantee, but there could be one (scholarship) for me."

KU coach Bill Self, who was a starter at Oklahoma State during his college days, understands Bahe's desire to play.  "We talked about the opportunity for impact minutes in the future. It's just something with the young guards we have, it's something that cannot be guaranteed (playing time)," Self said. "I encouraged Nick to explore any opportunities, because he wants to have a chance to impact a major-college program from a playing-time standpoint. He thought Creighton is something he might want to look into. He had an unofficial (visit) this past weekend and had some very good talks with the coaches there."

Bahe said he asked Self to check into possible schools. Ohio, Southwest Missouri State, Boise State and Creighton surfaced as possibilities.

"I have all positive feelings toward coach Self and the program," Bahe said. "There are no ill feelings at all. Coach wanted me to stay and has told me that several times. Coach told me he has an open door for me, and every time I come back here I will definitely go see him and stay in touch with him and my friends on the team forever." Self says he'll miss Bahe.

"Every program hates to lose people of high character. Nick is of the highest character. He's a terrific young man," Self said. "Kansas is fortunate we had two years with him when he could be at many places on scholarship. We wish him the very best."

Bahe will have plenty of support in Nebraska.  "I've got three aunts and two uncles, plus cousins in Omaha. My grandma and grandpa live a half hour away in Fremont. My mom, dad, brother, brother's wife ... there will be a Bahe section at Creighton games," he said with a laugh.