The 2025-26 college basketball season is officially underway, and the No. 23 Creighton men’s basketball team is gearing up for their season opener against South Dakota. The game is scheduled for Wednesday at the CHI Health Center in Omaha.
Season Debut for Creighton Bluejays
Head Coach Greg McDermott expressed his excitement and slight anxiety leading into the game. “It’s always exciting,” he stated. With a roster featuring many newcomers, the coaching staff has focused on teaching during the offseason. As the opener approaches, the team will refine their game plan against their opponent.
New Players Making Their Mark
Among the newcomers is Josh Dix, a transfer from Iowa. The Council Bluffs native is eager to play in front of family and friends. Previously, Dix had some exhibition game experience, but this will be his official debut. He commented, “I think our whole team is ready, but for me, it’s definitely exciting.”
Last season, he averaged 14.4 points per game with a remarkable shooting percentage. Creighton anticipates he will be a key player this season.
Returning Player’s First Start
Fedor Žugić, another pivotal player, will also experience his first season opener. After facing eligibility issues last year, he is now cleared and excited for the chance to compete. Žugić remarked, “It’s definitely different, my first time going through this.”
Team Dynamics and Strategy
The team’s depth is a significant theme as they head into the season. Coach McDermott noted the challenge of managing minutes among players. “We have more players who deserve to play than we have minutes for,” he said. Redshirting certain players may still be an option as the season progresses.
- Key Players:
- Josh Dix – Iowa transfer averaging 14.4 points last season
- Fedor Žugić – cleared for competition with two seasons of eligibility
Despite their depth, the Bluejays are facing some health issues. Owen Freeman is recovering from knee surgery, and international recruit Kerem Konan will miss the opener due to eligibility issues. This situation could lead to increased minutes for other players, such as Isaac Traudt and walk-on Josh Townley-Thomas.
Facing South Dakota
The Bluejays face the South Dakota Coyotes, who already suffered a close loss to Utah Tech, 81-79. South Dakota’s standout player, Isaac Bruns, boasts an impressive scoring average, having totaled 23 points in their opener despite challenging shooting performance. McDermott’s focus will be to control the game pace and not let South Dakota set the tone.
Game Strategy
The coaching staff emphasizes the importance of having a solid plan to cope with South Dakota’s aggressive play style. “You’ve got to handle their full-court pressure,” McDermott stated. His strategy involves maintaining composure, executing plays effectively, and avoiding unnecessary fouls.
Looking Ahead
Following Wednesday’s opener, Creighton will head to play against No. 23 Gonzaga. The expectations for the season remain high, and the players recognize the importance of unity and adherence to the game plan. “If you play together and stick to what Coach says, it’s going to be very hard to beat us,” Žugić concluded.
The tip-off for the game is set for 7 p.m. CT and will be accessible on Peacock, featuring commentators John Fanta and Nick Bahe.
