Creighton’s Pop Isaacs Out for Season After Hip Surgery

Creighton’s Pop Isaacs to Miss Rest of Season After Hip Surgery

In a tough blow for the Creighton Bluejays, standout guard Pop Isaacs is expected to undergo hip surgery and will miss the remainder of the season, sources confirmed to ESPN. This news comes as a major setback for a team already battling through a season riddled with injuries.

Isaacs, a 6-foot-2 guard from Las Vegas, had previously undergone hip surgery last spring. Unfortunately, the issue has persisted, forcing him to sit out Creighton’s season opener against UTRGV. Despite the lingering injury, Isaacs had been playing some of the best basketball of his career in recent weeks, making this development all the more heartbreaking for Bluejays fans.

Isaacs’ Stellar Performances Cut Short

Before the announcement, Isaacs was on a tear, scoring at least 25 points in three of his last five games. His standout performance came in Creighton’s thrilling win over No. 1 Kansas, where he dropped 27 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out four assists. Through eight games this season, Isaacs was averaging an impressive 16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.

Isaacs joined Creighton last spring as a transfer from Texas Tech, where he had spent two seasons. During his time with the Red Raiders, he earned All-Big 12 honors and helped lead the team to the NCAA tournament in March. His arrival in Omaha was seen as a major boost for the Bluejays, and he quickly became a key piece of their backcourt.

Injury Woes Pile Up for Creighton

Unfortunately for head coach Greg McDermott and the Bluejays, Isaacs’ injury is just the latest in a string of setbacks this season. Starting guard Steven Ashworth has been dealing with a sprained ankle, while Ryan Kalkbrenner missed a game earlier this season due to a lower body injury. With Isaacs now sidelined for the rest of the year, Creighton’s depth in the backcourt will be tested like never before.

What’s Next for the Bluejays?

Without Isaacs, Creighton will need to make some significant adjustments to their lineup. Expect the Bluejays to go bigger, with Jamiya Neal likely sliding down to the shooting guard position. Meanwhile, forwards Mason Miller and Jackson McAndrew could see more time on the court together as the team looks to compensate for the loss of Isaacs’ scoring and playmaking abilities.

Key Takeaways

• Pop Isaacs will miss the rest of the season due to hip surgery, marking a significant loss for Creighton.
• Isaacs was averaging 16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists through eight games this season.
• Creighton has been plagued by injuries, with Steven Ashworth and Ryan Kalkbrenner also missing time this year.
• The Bluejays (6-3) will host UNLV on Saturday as they look to regroup and move forward without Isaacs.

For Creighton fans, this season has been a rollercoaster of emotions. From thrilling wins like the upset over Kansas to the heartbreak of losing a star player like Isaacs, the Bluejays have faced their fair share of challenges. As they prepare to host UNLV on Saturday, all eyes will be on how this team adapts and fights through adversity. One thing is for sure: the road ahead won’t be easy, but Creighton has shown time and again that they’re capable of rising to the occasion.