Get ready for an exciting basketball showdown as Creighton's men's basketball team gears up for their exhibition match against No. 16 Iowa State! This highly anticipated game will showcase the talent of many new players, but one name that's making waves is Isaac Traudt.
Traudt, a junior forward, has been on fire during practice, leaving his teammates in awe. Josh Dix, a transfer from Iowa, described Traudt's shooting as "insane." He said, "Every time Isaac shoots, you just know it's going in. It's like a sure thing!"
A native of Grand Island, Traudt spent a redshirt year at Virginia before joining the Bluejays. His progress is evident, as he averaged 4.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game last season, shooting an impressive 38.4% from beyond the arc.
But here's where it gets controversial... with a 16-man roster featuring nine newcomers, the competition for playing time is fierce. However, Coach Greg McDermott believes Traudt is making a strong case for himself. "He's been shooting the ball at an exceptional level, and his defensive skills have improved too. Isaac's communication and confidence are at an all-time high," McDermott praised.
Traudt himself is confident in his abilities, especially heading into this season. "It's great to see the ball go through the rim consistently. It shows I can contribute to this team not just with my shooting but also with my defense and communication," he said.
And this is the part most people miss... Creighton has been dealing with frontcourt shortages during the offseason. With Iowa transfer Owen Freeman still recovering from knee surgery, Traudt and Jasen Green have been versatile, playing multiple positions. "We both bring unique skills to the team, and I think we'll be able to contribute effectively at the center position," Traudt explained.
Friday's exhibition will be a doubleheader of sorts, as Coach McDermott faces off against his former assistant, T.J. Otzelbeger, now the head coach of Iowa State. The Bluejays and Cyclones will meet again in November at the Players Era Men's Championship in Las Vegas. McDermott admitted he would have avoided scheduling this exhibition had he known about their tournament draw.
Iowa State will be without their starting point guard, Tamin Lipsey, while Creighton may be without a couple of likely starters, Jackson McAndrew and Freeman. Despite these absences, Friday's game will provide valuable insights for the coaching staff after months of intra-squad competition.
"We want to see how our guys react in front of a crowd. We'll try out different combinations and, most importantly, ensure no one gets injured. These exhibition games are crucial for our growth," McDermott emphasized.
The Cyclones had a strong season last year, finishing 17th in the final AP Poll. They return three double-digit scorers, including forwards Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic. According to KenPom, Iowa State ranked highly in forcing turnovers during the Otzelberger era.
This is the second consecutive year Creighton has faced a top-25 team in a preseason exhibition. Last season, they defeated Purdue, showcasing their ability to hold off a late rally by the Boilermakers.
"What I loved about that game was the growth opportunity it provided for our players. We found a way to win against a strong team, even without relying heavily on our star player [Ryan Kalkbrenner]. It was a great learning experience," McDermott recalled.
Tipoff for this highly anticipated match is set for 7:30 p.m. CT on Friday at the CHI Health Center Omaha. Nebraska Public Media will televise the game for in-state viewers, while Creighton offers an online stream with a small paywall for fans outside Nebraska.
So, who do you think will shine in this exhibition? Will Traudt's shooting prowess continue to impress, or will Iowa State's defense prove too tough? Let's discuss in the comments!
