Howard Star Blake Harper Transfers to Creighton: A Tough Loss for Bison Basketball.
Howard star Blake Harper transfers to Creighton, a tough loss for Bison Basketball. Howard University basketball has suffered a major blow as standout guard Blake Harper has officially announced his transfer to Creighton University. The decision ends Harper’s remarkable journey with the Bison and sends one of the MEAC’s brightest stars to the Big East — a move that has left many HBCU basketball fans disappointed but proud of his growth.
A Rising Star Leaves the Yard
Blake Harper, a 6’4” combo guard known for his athleticism, lockdown defense, and explosive scoring ability, was a cornerstone of Howard’s success in recent seasons. He averaged 15.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in the 2024–2025 season, helping the Bison secure a conference tournament appearance and bringing national attention to the program.
Harper’s leadership, work ethic, and highlight-reel plays made him a fan favorite on and off the court. His departure marks the end of an era at Howard — and a reminder of the growing challenges HBCUs face in retaining elite talent in today’s transfer-heavy college basketball landscape.
Why Creighton?
Creighton University, a perennial contender in the Big East, offers Harper a larger national platform, deeper NCAA tournament exposure, and access to state-of-the-art training and development. For a player with professional aspirations, the move makes sense from a career perspective.
But that doesn’t make it any easier for Bison fans.
“Blake represented what it means to be a Bison,” said a member of Howard’s coaching staff. “We’re incredibly proud of him and thankful for everything he gave this program — but this one stings.”
The Bigger Picture: HBCUs and the Transfer Portal
Harper’s transfer highlights a growing concern among HBCU programs: retaining star athletes in the era of the NCAA transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. As Power Five and mid-major programs increasingly target standout HBCU players, the challenge of building long-term success within smaller programs intensifies.
Howard University now faces the difficult task of rebuilding its backcourt while trying to maintain its recent momentum in MEAC play.
Final Thoughts – Howard’s Blake Harper Transfers to Creighton in Shocking Move
Blake Harper’s decision to transfer to Creighton University is bittersweet. While it’s a loss for Howard basketball, it’s also a testament to the program’s ability to develop talent capable of competing at the highest levels. The Bison faithful will be watching closely — cheering for Harper’s success, even as they mourn his departure.
