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Creighton Continues to Reload, Adds Josh Dix and Aleksa Dimitrijević

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Following the loss of seniors Ryan Kalkbrenner, Steven Ashworth and Jamiya Neal, who combined for 61.7% of their points, 73.3% of their assists and 49.5% of their rebounds, it looked like Creighton was set for a rebuilding year in 2025-26. The loss of Pop Isaacs, who averaged 16.3 points and 3.9 assists in eight games, further drove that narrative.

Not so fast. The Jays have reloaded, adding a starting center (Iowa’s Owen Freeman) and a scoring guard with slashing ability (Charlotte’s Nik Graves). Last Friday they announced the addition of another former Hawkeye: point guard (and Council Bluffs native) Josh Dix, one of the top players in the portal and a perfect fit for Greg McDermott’s offense. And when they signed one of the top international prospects on Monday, 7’1” Aleksa Dimitrijević from Serbia, it capped a wild two weeks where they overhauled their roster and set themselves up for another March run.

Dix averaged 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game game for the Hawkeyes last year, but more impressively, was an efficient shooter. He made 50.7% from two-point range, seventh best overall in the Big Ten and the best among the league’s guards. He also shot 42.2% from three (65-of-154), and 76.6% at the line. By way of comparison, Creighton hasn’t had a player shoot better than 40% from three on 150 or more attempts since Trey Alexander did it as a sophomore (66-of-161, 41.0%).

It was his third straight year making more than 40%, and he did it on nearly five attempts per game. Synergy’s data shows that Dix made 51% on unguarded catch-and-shoot 3s, and those Numbers mean he gets a lot of attention from opposing defenses. Even when defenders stay glued to him, he’s elite: he shot 38% on contested 3s, both off the catch and the dribble.

At 6’6”, he’s proven to be able to score over smaller defenders, and to both get to the rim and finish once he’s there. He made 67% at the rim, putting him in the 91st percentile per Synergy. Oh, and he had an impressive 89/27 assist/turnover ratio, too.

“I am thrilled that Josh is coming home to be a Bluejay,” Greg McDermott said in a release. “His ability to play on or off the ball is exactly the versatility we were in search of. His tireless work ethic will enhance our culture from the time he arrives on campus. I can’t wait to coach him!”

All of those skills were on display in Iowa’s win over Nebraska in January. He scored a career-high 31 points, made 7-of-10 from three, had seven assists and just one turnover, and four steals. He spearheaded a comeback from a 15-point deficit. Because of the opponent, and also because Dix was amazing, this package of clips is immensely fun.

Their other pickup, 7’1” Aleksa Dimitrijević, picked the Jays over Michigan and Illinois. Playing for Serbia at the FIBA U18 tourney last summer, he averaged 10.4 points on 61% shooting from two-point range, 7.1 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, and 2.1 assists.

“We are excited to add Aleksa to our program,” McDermott said. “His size and skill set is a great fit for our offensive system. He will also provide rim protection on the defensive end of the floor. His work ethic and desire to improve were evident when he visited Omaha. We look forward to having him in a Bluejay uniform!”

Dimitrijević has impressive playmaking skills and post moves. Scouting reports on Twitter indicate he has a natural instinct in pick-and-roll situations, finishing effectively as both a cutter and an off-ball mover. And in the low post, he demonstrates good footwork and has a reliable mid-range shot.

As you see in clips of him, he excels in transition, consistently running the floor to finish plays, drawing contact, and getting to the free-throw line. On defense, despite not being the most physically imposing player, it’s apparent his timing on blocking shots and ability to secure rebounds is natural.

Some on Bluejay Twitter have called him “Kalkbrenner 2.0” or the “Balkan Kalk”, and while those are perhaps unfair comparisons for a freshman, it’s easy to see the similarities. It’s also easy to see what Creighton’s sales pitch to him likely was: in five years they helped turn Kalkbrenner into a Big East legend, four-time Defensive Player of the Year and future NBA draft pick.

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