The 15th-ranked Creighton Bluejays took the court for their season opener against UT-Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday night, but they were missing a key piece of their lineup. Starting guard Pop Isaacs, a highly touted transfer from Texas Tech, was unexpectedly sidelined due to an undisclosed injury, leaving fans and analysts questioning the potential impact on the team’s early season performance.
A Surprising Absence
As the Bluejays went through their pregame warmups, Isaacs was noticeably absent from the court. Instead, he watched from the sidelines in street clothes, fueling speculation about the nature and severity of his injury. While details remain scarce, sources close to the team have indicated that Isaacs’ absence is related to a hip injury that required surgery last spring.
The Preseason Standout
Isaacs had been a standout performer for Creighton during the preseason, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking ability. In a recent charity exhibition against No. 14 Purdue, the talented guard led the Bluejays with 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting, while also dishing out six assists in a thrilling 93-87 victory. His impressive performance had many fans and analysts projecting him to be a key contributor for Creighton this season.
“Pop Isaacs was electric in that Purdue game,” noted a college basketball insider. “His ability to score from anywhere on the court and create for his teammates was a big reason why Creighton looked so dangerous. Losing him, even for a game, is definitely a setback.”
A Proven Track Record
Prior to transferring to Creighton, Isaacs had established himself as one of the Big 12’s premier scorers during his time at Texas Tech. Last season, he started all 34 games for the Red Raiders, averaging 15.8 points per game, which ranked sixth in the conference. His experience and scoring ability were expected to provide a significant boost to a Creighton team with high aspirations for the 2024-25 campaign.
Next Man Up
With Isaacs sidelined, the Bluejays turned to Mason Miller to fill the void in the starting lineup. While Miller may not possess the same scoring punch as Isaacs, he is a capable defender and a solid role player who will be called upon to step up in Isaacs’ absence. The question remains, however, how long Creighton will be without their star transfer and how his injury may impact their early season momentum.
Looking Ahead
As the college basketball season unfolds, all eyes will be on Creighton and the status of Pop Isaacs. The Bluejays have the talent and depth to weather his absence in the short term, but there’s no denying that they are a more formidable team with him on the court. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting updates on his recovery and his eventual return to action.
For now, Creighton must focus on the task at hand and continue to build chemistry and cohesion with the players available. The season opener against UT-Rio Grande Valley serves as an early test and an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark. As the Bluejays navigate this unexpected hurdle, they will undoubtedly be looking forward to the day when their dynamic transfer guard can rejoin them on the hardwood.
