This is the first of our “Meet the Jays” segment featuring the 2009-2010 Creighton Bluejays men’s basketball players. Join us as we profile a different scholarship player each day leading up to the season opener at Dayton on November 14.
When Ethan Wragge committed to Creighton last year, many Bluejays fans questioned whether he would play right away or if he’d be a candidate for a redshirt season. With the season under way and the opener just a few weeks away, it appears the freshman from Minnesota will see significant minutes early in his Creighton career.
With emerging big man Kenton Walker transferring back to the Left Coast and senior Chad Millard trying to shake the injury bug yet again, Wragge is the next logical player to fill minutes in the frontcourt. This despite Wragge being used to playing more on the wing than in the paint.
“I understand what Coach Altman wants me to do. He wants me to play a little 5, a little 4. It’s just what the team needs, and that’s how I will fit.”
For a freshman, the transition from high school to major college basketball can be an adjustment. Wragge appears to be experiencing those difficulties first hand.
“The biggest adjustment is the physical shape I need to be in, getting up and down the court like Coach Altman likes us to do, and how much work it takes compared to high school.”
Wragge’s high school coach, David Flom, told WBR earlier this summer strength was indeed one of the areas Wragge needed to improve on heading to college.
“Ethan was recruited because he is an excellent shooter. He can get it off quickly and can shoot comfortably from 25 feet. He also brings the ability to rebound. If Ethan improves his strength, he could be a contributor right away.”
Speaking of strength, it is clear Wragge’s is shooting. He set his high school’s record for career 3-pointers. He also set the school record by making 90% of his career attempts at the free throw line. His favorite athlete is Dirk Nowitzki, and Wragge’s height and long-range shooting ability give the freshman an opportunity to emulate the Dallas Mavericks star.
Like other Creighton players from recent seasons, family ties played a role in Wragge coming to Omaha. He has a lot of family in the area that kept Creighton on his radar when it was time to pick a school.
“I have always known how Creighton has played basketball. My dad grew up in Norfolk, I have two uncles that live here in Omaha, and my mom is real close to Bruce Rasmussen. So, I have known a lot about Creighton sports.”
In a season of firsts for Wragge as a college basketball player, he has a long list of things he’s looking forward to. He has been to the Qwest Center to see a game, but he is excited to be out there as a player. “Just to be a part of it, I am excited to play in the Qwest.” And his first regular season game comes against Dayton on the road. “I was born in Ohio, so that is still home. Just getting that first game, I’m excited about that.”
Wragge joins fellow sharpshooters Kaleb Korver, Casey Harriman, and a slew of other Bluejays who can hit from the perimeter. He displayed a quick release at Saturday’s open scrimmage, one that had fans reaching for a roster and wondering aloud about the freshman from Minnesota. Flom thinks it won’t be long before the Creighton community gets to know Wragge a bit better.
“Ethan is a great young man. I am a sixth grade teacher and he volunteers his time in the classroom. He is great with kids and adults alike. Creighton will be excited to have him.”
Wragge’s first game donning the White and the Blue comes Wednesday against Missouri Western State.