Isaiah Zierden can shoot. Like fellow Minnesotan Ethan Wragge, Zierden’s ability to hit shots from anywhere and everywhere precedes his arrival at Creighton.
The son of longtime NBA assistant coach and former Minnesota Lynx head coach Don Zierden, Isaiah grew up learning the game that he loves.
“Ever since I was little I’ve been watching film with my dad,” he said. “He taught me the game from a professional stand point. It helps my basketball IQ,” Zierden said.
He adds that his father has helped him refine his shot. Zierden, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound guard, is regarded as one of the best shooters in the class of 2012. John Moore, Zierden’s coach at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School in St. Louis Park, echoes those sentiments.
“He can shoot, he can shoot, and he can really shoot,” Moore said. “He plays hard and has a high basketball IQ, both of which help him a lot.”
In addition to his scoring ability, Zierden thinks Creighton fans will appreciate some of his intangible traits.
“I play hard and I bring energy when I’m on the floor,” Zierden said when asked what Bluejays fans will like most about his game.
In addition to energy and intensity, Moore mentions a few other attributes Zierden has that are difficult to coach.
“As a coach’s son he has a great understanding of the game, and he has good court savvy,” Moore said. “He is also a good rebounder for being a guard, and he is good in the pick and roll.”
Like most high school recruits, Zierden knows he has to get stronger to play well at the Division I level. He also recognizes the need to improve on the other end of the floor, saying he needs to improve his defense in order to succeed at Creighton. He feels playing for Greg McDermott and the Bluejays will allow him to improve in these areas and excel in the strong points of his game.
“He chose Creighton because of their style of play and because they were excited about him,” Moore said.
“Creighton is a great fit for me; I liked the coaches and the players,” Zierden said.
Click here for an interview with Zierden in the St. Louis Park Patch following his commitment to Creighton.