Martin Krampelj (#15 | 6-9 | 205 | F | Fr.)
Martin Krampelj drives in traffic against Upper Iowa. (Photo by Adam Streur / WBR)
Like a throw-in or a “player to be named later” in a trade, Krampelj’s commitment stunned Bluejay fans. That’s because the first word of it came on National Signing Day when all they were expecting was the official announcement of Justin Patton and Marlon Stewart’s signing. The 6-foot-9 forward quickly became the most intriguing Creighton prospect in a long time, mainly because information on him was so scarce beyond what the coaching staff said of his abilities.
The overseas trip to Italy and the ten practices that Creighton had to prepare for the trip served as an introductory period for the 20-year-old prospect from Slovenia. His athletic ability was on display throughout the summer as his performance made him not only one of the best newcomers, but one of the best players period during the summer workouts. In three games over in Italy he averaged 12 points per game, tied for the team lead in rebounding at 6.3 boards per contest, and led the team in steals with eight.
Check out our Martin Krampelj photo gallery!
Swelling in his surgically repaired knee late in the preseason forced him to miss some time. He returned and played in the team’s exhibition, however, and appears to fine going forward. He’ll contribute right away with his length, athleticism, and ability to stretch the floor and knock down threes giving Greg McDermott a dangerous reserve as a stretch four or even a center who can spread the floor in smaller lineups.
Impact Academy (Sarasota, Florida by way of Grosuplje, Slovenia)
- averaged 24.0 points per game at Impact Academy
- won national championship in Slovenia as member of U-16 in 2010-11 and U-18 in 2012-13
- played on Slovenian National Team at U-18 Euro Championships in 2012
Head Coach Greg McDermott on Krampelj:
“Martin is very versatile. He can shoot it from the perimeter and he passes it well. Defensively he has a lot to learn. Our game is different than what he’s been accustomed to, and so the learning curve has been relatively steep. But he’s making progress.”
5-on-5 with Martin Krampelj
Q: What were some of the factors in why you decided to come over here and play at Creighton?
A: “I watched college basketball on YouTube since the hours difference is like seven hours. I woke up at like 3:00 a.m. and watch basketball games. I recognized that many many players in the NBA are coming from the NCAA. You’re way closer here than you are from Euro League, because it’s so hard to come from there to the U.S. The education is a big part here, because if you want to educate yourself and play basketball at the same time it’s almost impossible, because basketball takes a lot of time. You have to be super smart to do both and be good at both. At Creighton they combine those two really good.”
Martin Krampelj at the free throw line against Upper Iowa. (Photo by Adam Streur / WBR)
Q: What has been the most challenging part of the transition from coming overseas to playing basketball in college?
A: “Meeting new people, making new friends, but I knew it would be like that. It was a big transition, but I feel more comfortable now, and my English is getting better.”
Q: The team was picked ninth in the preseason poll. What did you think of that selection, and what are your expectations for this group this season?
A: “We played three games in Italy which showed the public almost nothing, because those three games were just games. I don’t think people really know us yet, but we’ll prove that soon.”
Q: What trip on this year’s schedule are most excited to make?
A: “Since I’ve never played at CenturyLink that’s the first one. These are our fans. But the team told me that Madison Square Garden is one that will be fun and also the NCAA Tournament.”
Q: When your time at Creighton is over what will you have hoped to accomplish in your career as a Bluejay?
A: “I wasn’t thinking about that much. If there is an option to play basketball for money in four years, sure, but if there is anything else that my education opens for me with my degree. As long as I can do something with that.”