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Out of all the teams in the Big East, Creighton might be the most snake-bitten relative to preseason expectations.
Creighton entered the season expecting its frontcourt to be a strength, with preseason All-Big East selection Owen Freeman and rising sophomore Jackson McAndrew slated to anchor the interior, but neither player will be a factor on Saturday.
After averaging 17 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks per game at Iowa, Freeman is arguably the worst portal pickup in the nation and has now fallen completely out of Creighton’s rotation. Meanwhile, McAndrew — who set Creighton’s freshman record for made three-pointers and was poised for a breakout sophomore season — suffered a season-ending foot injury, creating a significant void in spacing, shooting, and rebounding for the Bluejays. In their absence, the frontcourt is a completely different unit than originally projected. More on that later.
Creighton’s offense has remained productive and capable of putting up points, at times leaning more heavily on perimeter shooting and guard play due to frontcourt limitations. Unlike previous teams that relied on a dominant interior scorer and a clearly defined offensive centerpiece, this year’s group spreads scoring responsibility and spaces the floor with three-point shooting. While it may not rank among Greg McDermott’s most efficient or explosive offenses, it has still been effective enough to keep Creighton competitive on most nights.
Defensively, this year’s Creighton team has been more inconsistent than in past seasons, particularly compared to groups anchored by elite rim protection and physicality. The Bluejays have struggled at times to limit efficient scoring and generate stops, marking a noticeable drop from previous defenses that ranked among the nation’s best. As a result, defense has become a relative weakness, with game-to-game variability standing out as a key difference from earlier, more reliable Creighton units.
Starting point guard Austin Swartz has been excellent in Big East play, emerging as a primary scoring option and delivering big performances and clutch shots against conference opponents. He has been so effective because of his confidence as a shooter, ability to score in quick bursts, and comfort operating within Creighton’s spacing-heavy offensive system. His growth from a limited early-season role into a reliable conference scorer highlights improved decision-making and increased trust to take — and make — difficult shots. Swartz is best classified as an offense-first player, as his defense remains suspect.
With Freeman and McAndrew out, Jasen Green has emerged as a versatile and efficient forward, consistently converting high-percentage looks around the rim while expanding his offensive output, including a 23-point performance against Butler. A small forward last season, Green’s development into a reliable offensive option with expanded playmaking has helped stabilize Creighton’s frontcourt in a year of roster turnover, as he now starts at the four and plays extended minutes as a small-ball five. He’s been effective because of his patience, hustle, and shot selection within the system, allowing him to score efficiently without forcing offense. Green is also arguably Creighton’s most reliable defender.
Starting at the three, Josh Dix is a smooth, high-IQ guard who spaces the floor with confident shooting and keeps the ball moving within the Bluejays’ offense. His game relies on timing, feel, and decision-making more than raw athleticism, fitting seamlessly into Creighton’s read-and-react style. He doesn’t force action, but his shooting gravity and smart cuts quietly command defensive attention whenever he’s on the floor. He also shows strong instincts on the defensive end.
Starting guard Ty Davis is a low-usage, physical presence who rarely dominates the ball, but his defensive awareness provides balance and adds a tougher, more aggressive dimension to the backcourt. He’ll present a challenging matchup for Ball.
Although he comes off the bench, Nik Graves has been a steady, versatile guard this season, bringing physicality, composure, and two-way impact while effectively serving as the backup point guard when Swartz slides into a combo role. Graves is effective because he can score at multiple levels, make reads as a secondary playmaker, and defend with strength and effort, allowing him to fit seamlessly into various lineup combinations. His experience and poise show up in key moments, where he provides reliability rather than forcing offense. While he’s a capable defender, it’s not his greatest strength.
Another weapon off the bench is Howard transfer Blake Harper. Logging most of his minutes at the four, Harper is a steady, dependable presence who plays within himself and values winning possessions. He defends with purpose, makes the extra pass, and consistently contributes in subtle ways that don’t always show up in the box score, even though he’s capable of solid scoring nights. His reliability and team-first approach make him a trusted piece in the Bluejays’ rotation — and arguably one of the most likable players on the roster.
Starting center Isaac Traudt is best described as a stretch forward despite his center-sized frame. He spaces the floor with confident shooting and a smooth offensive game, playing with poise and an understanding of spacing that keeps the offense flowing. However, his defensive limitations remain a significant concern.
Backup big Kerem Komen has been forced into a larger role due to the team’s situation. While not a box-score contributor, he brings energy, effort, and physicality, embracing the dirty-work aspects of the game. That said, his defensive awareness can occasionally put him in compromised positions.
Like Freeman, Fedor Zugic entered the season with considerable hype — including early first-round NBA draft buzz — but has settled into a solid yet unspectacular bench role. The big, skilled wing offers shooting touch and offensive feel, understanding spacing, making quick reads, and fitting smoothly into the flow of the offense. Defensively, like Komen, his effort is high, but his impact metrics remain poor.
I respect the hell out of Greg McDermott and Omaha is a very hard place to play, especially when Baldy is there. Like every game nowadays, this will be Creighton’s Super Bowl, and any Big East road game against a quality team is tough.
Creighton entered the season expecting its frontcourt to be a strength, with preseason All-Big East selection Owen Freeman and rising sophomore Jackson McAndrew slated to anchor the interior, but neither player will be a factor on Saturday.
After averaging 17 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks per game at Iowa, Freeman is arguably the worst portal pickup in the nation and has now fallen completely out of Creighton’s rotation. Meanwhile, McAndrew — who set Creighton’s freshman record for made three-pointers and was poised for a breakout sophomore season — suffered a season-ending foot injury, creating a significant void in spacing, shooting, and rebounding for the Bluejays. In their absence, the frontcourt is a completely different unit than originally projected. More on that later.
Creighton’s offense has remained productive and capable of putting up points, at times leaning more heavily on perimeter shooting and guard play due to frontcourt limitations. Unlike previous teams that relied on a dominant interior scorer and a clearly defined offensive centerpiece, this year’s group spreads scoring responsibility and spaces the floor with three-point shooting. While it may not rank among Greg McDermott’s most efficient or explosive offenses, it has still been effective enough to keep Creighton competitive on most nights.
Defensively, this year’s Creighton team has been more inconsistent than in past seasons, particularly compared to groups anchored by elite rim protection and physicality. The Bluejays have struggled at times to limit efficient scoring and generate stops, marking a noticeable drop from previous defenses that ranked among the nation’s best. As a result, defense has become a relative weakness, with game-to-game variability standing out as a key difference from earlier, more reliable Creighton units.
Starting point guard Austin Swartz has been excellent in Big East play, emerging as a primary scoring option and delivering big performances and clutch shots against conference opponents. He has been so effective because of his confidence as a shooter, ability to score in quick bursts, and comfort operating within Creighton’s spacing-heavy offensive system. His growth from a limited early-season role into a reliable conference scorer highlights improved decision-making and increased trust to take — and make — difficult shots. Swartz is best classified as an offense-first player, as his defense remains suspect.
With Freeman and McAndrew out, Jasen Green has emerged as a versatile and efficient forward, consistently converting high-percentage looks around the rim while expanding his offensive output, including a 23-point performance against Butler. A small forward last season, Green’s development into a reliable offensive option with expanded playmaking has helped stabilize Creighton’s frontcourt in a year of roster turnover, as he now starts at the four and plays extended minutes as a small-ball five. He’s been effective because of his patience, hustle, and shot selection within the system, allowing him to score efficiently without forcing offense. Green is also arguably Creighton’s most reliable defender.
Starting at the three, Josh Dix is a smooth, high-IQ guard who spaces the floor with confident shooting and keeps the ball moving within the Bluejays’ offense. His game relies on timing, feel, and decision-making more than raw athleticism, fitting seamlessly into Creighton’s read-and-react style. He doesn’t force action, but his shooting gravity and smart cuts quietly command defensive attention whenever he’s on the floor. He also shows strong instincts on the defensive end.
Starting guard Ty Davis is a low-usage, physical presence who rarely dominates the ball, but his defensive awareness provides balance and adds a tougher, more aggressive dimension to the backcourt. He’ll present a challenging matchup for Ball.
Although he comes off the bench, Nik Graves has been a steady, versatile guard this season, bringing physicality, composure, and two-way impact while effectively serving as the backup point guard when Swartz slides into a combo role. Graves is effective because he can score at multiple levels, make reads as a secondary playmaker, and defend with strength and effort, allowing him to fit seamlessly into various lineup combinations. His experience and poise show up in key moments, where he provides reliability rather than forcing offense. While he’s a capable defender, it’s not his greatest strength.
Another weapon off the bench is Howard transfer Blake Harper. Logging most of his minutes at the four, Harper is a steady, dependable presence who plays within himself and values winning possessions. He defends with purpose, makes the extra pass, and consistently contributes in subtle ways that don’t always show up in the box score, even though he’s capable of solid scoring nights. His reliability and team-first approach make him a trusted piece in the Bluejays’ rotation — and arguably one of the most likable players on the roster.
Starting center Isaac Traudt is best described as a stretch forward despite his center-sized frame. He spaces the floor with confident shooting and a smooth offensive game, playing with poise and an understanding of spacing that keeps the offense flowing. However, his defensive limitations remain a significant concern.
Backup big Kerem Komen has been forced into a larger role due to the team’s situation. While not a box-score contributor, he brings energy, effort, and physicality, embracing the dirty-work aspects of the game. That said, his defensive awareness can occasionally put him in compromised positions.
Like Freeman, Fedor Zugic entered the season with considerable hype — including early first-round NBA draft buzz — but has settled into a solid yet unspectacular bench role. The big, skilled wing offers shooting touch and offensive feel, understanding spacing, making quick reads, and fitting smoothly into the flow of the offense. Defensively, like Komen, his effort is high, but his impact metrics remain poor.
I respect the hell out of Greg McDermott and Omaha is a very hard place to play, especially when Baldy is there. Like every game nowadays, this will be Creighton’s Super Bowl, and any Big East road game against a quality team is tough.
