Creighton Blue Jays Add More Top-End Talent Through the Transfer Portal, Including 2 Ex-Big Ten Stars

Creighton Blue Jays Roster Finds Ryan Kalkbrenner Replacement

The Creighton Blue Jays are losing two of their most significant players, namely point guard Steven Ashworth and 7-foot center Ryan Kalkbrenner. The pairing has been the heart and soul of the program during their long careers, but now depart due to being out of eligibility. Head coach Greg McDermott entered the offseason with the task of replacing his two biggest pieces.

However, it appears that he has done just that. His first move was to add former Iowa Hawkeyes center Owen Freeman. The big man scored over 16 points per game last season and averaged almost 7 rebounds as well. He was one of the best freshman in the Big Ten last season due to his strong play on both ends.

While not necessarily a player of the same style as Kalkbrenner, Freeman is still an athletic, 6-foot-10 center who can give Creighton the inside threat that has been key to their offense in recent years.

Another Former Iowa Hawkeye Joins the Creighton Blue Jays

Freeman’s former teammate, guard Josh Dix, is also set to leave Iowa for Omaha. A 6-foot-6 shooting guard, Dix averaged over 14 points per game and filled it up from beyond-the-arc, where he shot over 42%. One of the higher-rated shooting guards in the portal, Dix chose Creighton over several other powerhouse suitors. Freeman and Dix were both two of the most pursued players in the portal, but have decided to team up once again at Creighton.

One of the top three-point specialists in the nation, Dix has great size for his position and a good overall feel for the game. One of the most efficient scorers in college basketball, Dix has even garnered some interest from the NBA.

Jan 11, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Josh Dix (4) reacts during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn ImagesIn addition to the pair of exciting ex-Iowa Hawkeyes, Creighton has added guard Nik Graves, formerly of Charlotte. Graves, primarily a scoring guard, averaged over 17 points per game for the 49ers last season. Although Creighton is losing guard Pop Isaacs in the portal, Dix and Graves will reload their backcourt to be as formidable as ever.

While it won’t look the same as it did last year, Creighton figures to be right back in the mix in the Big East for next year. Creighton’s consistency in fielding strong squads should give fans great reason for optimism for next year’s team.