Creighton Men’s Basketball Prepares for 2025-26 Season Opener vs. South Dakota

The Creighton men’s basketball team is gearing up for its season opener against South Dakota as the 2025-26 college basketball season begins. The game will take place on Wednesday at the CHI Health Center Omaha, following the national kickoff earlier this week.

Preparing for the Opener

Head Coach Greg McDermott expressed his excitement and anxiousness about the upcoming game. He acknowledged that no coach feels entirely ready on the first day of competition, which adds to the pre-game nerves. “It’ll be good to get started,” McDermott said as he shifted the team’s focus from training to game preparations.

The coaching staff is adapting to the new dynamics brought by a significant number of newcomers who are set to play key roles this season. “Now the practices become mentally taxing as we focus on understanding and executing the game plan,” McDermott noted.

Key Players to Watch

• Josh Dix: The Iowa transfer is eager for his official debut with the Bluejays. Being a local graduate, he has family support in the stands. In last season’s games with Iowa, he averaged 14.4 points and excelled in shooting.
• Fedor Žugić: This Montenegrin guard is set to experience his first season opener after eligibility concerns last year. He has spent the past summer working on his game and feels prepared for the challenge ahead.

McDermott mentioned that the team’s depth will play a crucial role this year. The head coach faces tough decisions regarding player rotations, as more athletes deserve minutes than can be accommodated during games. “This team has a lot of depth,” he stated, indicating possible redshirting for some players.

Health Concerns Ahead of the Game

As the Bluejays prepare to face the Coyotes, they are dealing with a few player injuries. Owen Freeman is gradually returning from knee surgery, while Jasen Green missed recent practices. Additionally, new recruit Kerem Konan will not play in the opener.

In contrast, the South Dakota Coyotes have already played a game, narrowly losing to Utah Tech. Their standout player, junior Isaac Bruns, scored 23 points in the opener, making him a player to watch during Wednesday’s matchup.

Game Strategy

McDermott highlighted the importance of countering South Dakota’s full-court pressure. Understanding the opponent’s style will be crucial for Creighton’s success. “We must control the pace of the game and execute our shots,” said McDermott.

Both McDermott and Žugić emphasized that Wednesday’s game will showcase everything the Bluejays have worked on. “It’s essential to stick together and adhere to our game plan,” said Žugić, indicating the team’s goal to build on their principles throughout the season.

Fans can catch the action on Peacock starting at 7 p.m. CT, with announcers John Fanta and Nick Bahe calling the game.