MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Brock Vice had it all planned out.
The 6-foot-11 center committed to Saint Louis last August ahead of his senior year at Houston High School.
"I thought nine months ago I was going to be done with this recruiting," Vice said. "Then just have my high school season, then just get ready to go to college."
But Brock chose to re-open his recruitment last month. Shortly thereafter, his old high school teammate—and Memphis Tigers redshirt freshman—Johnathan Lawson entered the transfer portal. The pair decided to weigh their options together.
"We were on our officials together actually," Vice said. "So we spent the two days up in Omaha. And then we were kind of like 'We'll run it back and see what we can do again.'"
He and Lawson committed to Creighton on Tuesday, joining a storied Big East program that made the Elite 8 last March.
"I've known a lot about them. I followed them the last two years," Vice said. "I think it will be good. The chemistry will still be there, I think."
They will join another Mustangs alum in Mason Miller, who just finished his redshirt freshman season in Omaha. Fellow 2021 Houston grad Zander Yates played two seasons at Creighton before transferring to Liberty University. All four played for Mason's dad—and former Memphis Grizzlies wing—Mike Miller, who led Houston to a state championship in 2020-21, his lone season as head coach.
"I think it just speaks to the overall culture of Houston," said current Mustangs head coach Rob Sabau, who just completed his first season. "I've only been here a year, but you look at what Charlie Leonard did, what Mike Miller did, and we're just trying to continue that."
The trio will once again be coached by a Miller. Creighton assistant Ryan Miller—Mason's uncle—was instrumental in bringing the Mustang brigade aboard.
"He said if we come, be ready to work and it's going to be hard," Vice said.
That will be especially true when it comes to the physical demands of Big East play. But Vice said the Memphis hoops scene has taught them well.
"Memphis basketball is so physical: run, jump and trap," he said. "I think we'll be prepared."