Get ready for an exciting basketball showdown as Creighton's men's basketball team gears up for their exhibition game against No. 16 Iowa State! This highly anticipated match will be a treat for all basketball enthusiasts, especially those eager to witness the team's new additions in action.
While the focus often shifts to newcomers during the preseason, it's crucial not to overlook the returning players who have been working tirelessly during the offseason. One such standout is junior forward Isaac Traudt, whose summer training has translated into impressive performances on the court.
"It's been incredible!" exclaimed Josh Dix, a transfer from Iowa, when asked about Traudt's shooting prowess. "Every time he shoots, you just know it's going in. It's like having a surefire weapon on your team."
Traudt, a native of Grand Island, spent a redshirt year at Virginia before joining Creighton for the 2023-24 season. His journey has been marked by steady improvement, averaging 8.8 minutes and 2.9 points per game as a redshirt freshman, and then earning a larger role as a sophomore, where he averaged 4.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.
With intense competition for playing time this season, Traudt is making a strong case for himself. Coach Greg McDermott praised his shooting abilities and defensive strides, highlighting his improved communication and confidence.
"Isaac's versatility is a huge asset," McDermott said. "He can seamlessly move between different groups during practice, maintaining the same high level of performance and approach."
Traudt himself is confident in his abilities, especially with his shooting, but he remains grounded, attributing his success to hard work and the team's overall growth.
However, Creighton's frontcourt depth has been a concern during the offseason, with Iowa transfer Owen Freeman still recovering from knee surgery. Traudt and Jasen Green have been versatile in workouts, potentially filling the void at center, depending on matchups and the development of the younger big men.
"We both bring unique skills to the team," Traudt explained. "I excel in a five-out system, creating space for shooters, while Jasen's defensive versatility shines when facing more physical opponents."
This Friday's exhibition marks the first of two meetings between Coach McDermott and his former assistant, T.J. Otzelbeger, now the head coach of Iowa State. The Bluejays and Cyclones will face off again in late November at the Players Era Men's Championship in Las Vegas. McDermott revealed that he would have avoided scheduling this exhibition had he known about their tournament draw.
"T.J. and I tried our best to get the promoter in Vegas to change it, but it was too late. It's like playing a conference game, where you know each other's strategies inside out. Still, it'll be a great game for our fans, and the October atmosphere will be electric!"
Iowa State will be without starting point guard Tamin Lipsey, while Creighton may be missing a couple of likely starters, including Jackson McAndrew and Owen Freeman. Despite these absences, Friday's game will provide valuable insights for the coaching staff after months of intra-squad competition.
"It's important to see how our players perform in front of a crowd and react to different situations," McDermott emphasized. "We'll experiment with various combinations, but the main goal is to get something out of this game without any injuries. That's the key to our growth, and that's why we play these exhibition matches."
The Cyclones had a successful season last year, finishing 25-10 and earning a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They return three double-digit scorers, including forwards Joshua Jefferson and Milan Momcilovic, and Lipsey. According to KenPom, Iowa State ranked 13th in forcing turnovers nationally during the Otzelberger era.
This is the second consecutive year that Creighton has faced a top-25 team in a preseason exhibition. Last season, they defeated Purdue 93-87, building a solid lead in the second half and holding off a late rally by the Boilermakers.
"What I loved about last year's game was the growth opportunity it provided for our players," McDermott reflected. "It was a close game, and our guys, without [Ryan Kalkbrenner], found a way to execute and win against a very talented team."
"We're excited to play a lot of our guys and see how they perform. There will be ups and downs, given the number of new players and position changes, but playing against someone else is crucial for our development."
Tipoff for this highly anticipated exhibition 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 will offer a stream with a $7.99 paywall for fans outside Nebraska.
Don't miss this thrilling matchup! Who do you think will come out on top? Share your predictions and thoughts in the comments below!
