Creighton Basketball Faces Offseason Challenges After NCAA Tournament Exit

OMAHA, Neb. — Creighton Bluejays basketball head coach Greg McDermott has begun his preparations for the upcoming season just days after his team’s second-round exit from the NCAA tournament. Following a gut-wrenching loss to Auburn, McDermott emphasized the urgency to address the roster as the NCAA transfer portal opened.

In his 16th season with the Bluejays, McDermott expressed, “We’ve got some work to do in the recruiting world,” highlighting the critical nature of rebuilding after losing key talent. The onset of the transfer portal introduced additional urgency, compelling McDermott and his staff to pivot quickly as they look to strengthen the team for next year.

As part of those efforts, Creighton welcomed 6-foot-10, 245-pound forward Owen Freeman from Iowa as one of the top-rated transfers in the portal. Freeman, who averaged 16.7 points and 6.7 rebounds prior to a season-ending finger injury, visited Creighton on Tuesday. “He is one of the best big men available,” a source confirmed, indicating that Freeman could potentially fill the significant void left by the departure of Ryan Kalkbrenner.

Freeman was recognized as honorable mention All-Big Ten and co-freshman of the year in previous seasons, showcasing his extensive skill set in the paint. His potential addition could be pivotal as the Bluejays aim to replace Kalkbrenner, who is set to have his No. 11 jersey honored in the CHI Health Center rafters.

McDermott is also targeting other prospects, including South Dakota State transfer Oscar Cluff, ranked as the No. 7 overall player in the transfer portal by On3. As the offseason unfolds, finding the right players to complement returning athletes will be crucial for shaping the Bluejays’ future.

In addition to frontcourt changes, McDermott’s backcourt may also require new additions. Following the exit of Steven Ashworth, maintaining depth in the guard position becomes imperative. “We need to evaluate who stays, who goes, and find players who can contribute effectively at both guard positions,” McDermott said.

Currently, the Bluejays have four guards on their roster: Pop Isaacs, Fedor Zugic, Ty Davis, and Shane Thomas. Their retention would suggest Isaacs will maintain the lead role, complemented by Zugic, while the staff works to recruit additional players capable of filling the gap.

The prospect of acquiring Arizona State transfer Joson Sanon or Virginia transfer Andrew Rohde remains open, as both players could bring playmaking capabilities to the team. Creighton is also in conversation with South Florida transfer Jayden Reid, indicating their proactive approach to the transfer market.

Although the loss to Auburn concluded a promising season, it also offered a reality check for a program striving for success. As McDermott contemplates strategic changes on the defensive end and aims for roster adjustments, the coming weeks will be critical in shaping the Bluejays’ chances of a successful 2024-25 campaign.