Four-star junior Isaac Traudt talks his recruitment

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve witnessed several under-the-radar players blow up due to the fact that college coaches have more time to get an in-depth look at the film and have more contact with high school prospects. 

Prior to the start of the pandemic, there was a buzz surrounding Nebraska's native Isaac Traudt. The 6-foot-9 incoming junior describes himself like this:

“A forward that can do a little bit of everything. I’m very skilled offensively and I’m a good rim protector and can guard multiple positions. I’m a team-first player so whatever the team needs me to contribute to I will do that.”

His unique skill set has led to him being recruited by plenty of suitors and he discussed them all with Stockrisers.com.

So which programs currently have an extended scholarship offer?

Traudt: “I have offers from Drake, Wyoming, Northern Colorado, UNO, Idaho, South Dakota, Kansas State, Nebraska, Creighton, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Stanford, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Virginia Tech, Ohio State, Purdue, Oregon, Iowa, Ole Miss, Georgetown, Louisville, and Marquette.”

What about schools that have interest?

Traudt: “I have interest from Duke, Virginia, Kansas, Michigan State, Gonzaga, Illinois, and Auburn.

You had a zoom with Michigan State’s Tom Izzo this weekend, thoughts on the virtual stuff?

Traudt: “They’re good, and yeah my most recent one was with Michigan State. I think they are a great way to get a feel for the staff. I just wish I could get out to actual campuses.”

What about your Duke interest?

Traudt: “It’s good. Coach Scheyer has spoken to both me and my dad and said that he would like to build a relationship and see me play some more.”

Now, let’s do a breakdown of some schools, starting with a local like Creighton?

Traudt: “I’ve been talking to them since March. They were one of the first to show interest and I was able to take an unofficial visit before COVID-19 shut things down. They offered me in June and I’ve developed great relationships with both Coach McDermott and Coach Lusk.”

What about a school like Mizzou?

Traudt: “I’ve been talking to then since May or so and have developed really strong relationships with each coach on staff. I’ve done a zoom with them and they offered me in early July.”

Oregon?

Traudt: “They first reached out on June 15th and Coach McKenna and I have built a really good relationship ever since. After watching a lot of my film, Coach Altman gave me a call in early September and offered me.”

Louisville is also on you heavy, thoughts on them?

Traudt: “They are one of the newer programs involved in my recruitment. However, they contact me frequently. I’ve developed good relationships with both Coach Mack and Coach Murray. They offered me on a zoom a few weeks back.”

You can see campuses with no coach interactions, any chance you just go explore?

Traudt: “We did that at Minnesota in July when we were there for a tournament. If the NCAA extends the dead period anymore we will probably get out to some of the local schools.”

How’s the process going and how will you approach it?

Traudt: “The process is going well. Just trying to soak it all in and make a decision that’s best for me and my family. I don’t really have a timeline I just think it’ll be a gut feeling. Haven’t decided on a list or anything yet but if I did it wouldn’t be until I can get out to campuses.”

How’s the off-season and what are you working on to improve at?

Traudt: “It’s been great. Really focusing on a few things and looking forward to the season. I’ve been working on my ball-handling for sure.”