Top-50 junior Isaac Traudt has locks in official visits, talks recruitment
Breakout.
When you think of the term breakout, you think of someone who made their mark and really took off. This past fall, Isaac Traudt witnessed his breakout. The 6-foot-9 forward out of Grand Island in Central Nebraska didn’t really become a blue-chip prospect until the fall hit and he started bringing in a variety of offers.
These offers? Deserving. Traudt has asserted himself as a dynamic two-way player and has had a dominant junior season averaging 25 points and nine rebounds per game this season. In addition, Traudt surpassed the 1,000-point mark and is likely already counting to 2,000.
Traudt did what any devoted prospect would do during the off-season. Grind. Entering this season a major focus point for him was to gain muscle and work on his physical developments, and oh, he did that indeed. Traudt would end up adding nearly 30-35 pounds of muscle and has clearly evolved his game this season.
Rather than being your face-up forward, Traudt has been able to show just how dynamic he is all season long. He’s played the perimeter, runs the floor, shoots the deep ball, aggressive drives to the rim, and he doesn’t shy away from involving his teammates, he actually loves dishing the rock.
His recruitment is as I expected it to be when I first discovered Traudt over one year ago. He’s a blue-chip prospect and is being pursued by plenty of high-major programs including several local schools, blue blood, etc.
He has now also locked in some official visits and a new program has entered the mix, learn more about that in Traudt’s discussion with Stockrisers.com.
Which programs would say are the most heavily involved?
“North Carolina, Michigan State, Creighton, Nebraska, Virginia, Oklahoma, and Ohio State.”
Any newer schools that have entered the mix?
“The newest school to enter the mix in Texas.”
Thoughts on the North Carolina offer?
“I was really excited about the offer from North Carolina and obviously one of the best programs in the history of basketball. There’s been a ton of guys out of there that have succeeded at the next level and they always have a great coaching staff.”
How’s your relationship with Tom Izzo?
“Me and Coach Izzo have gotten pretty close over the past six or seven months. He calls me about once every two weeks or so and checks in with me and stuff. Plus we’ve done about six zooms with the staff so it’s going pretty well.”
And thoughts on his offer?
“The offer to Michigan State really meant a lot because the coaching staff really got to know me over the last few months. They built a really good relationship with me before offering and that meant a lot.”
How about the Oklahoma Sooners, how did they handle the post-hiring recruitment?
“With Coach Moser being the new coach there, he actually called me his first day on the job and re-offered and said that he really wants me to be a Sooner and come visit in the summer and fall, which we will definitely do. He’s built a pretty good relationship with me and calls quite a bit.”
Now, break down your summer visit plans, anything locked in?
“As of now, we have an official visit set up with Virginia from June 11th through the 13th. We also have one with Michigan State from June 17th through the 19th. We’re also most likely going to North Carolina for an official visit and we might add a few more in June. Probably 3-4 in June.”
How about the unofficial?
“I’ll also be visiting Creighton on June 1st and I’ll probably take a few other visits for the schools that are around here.”
Any commitment timeline?
“Probably sometime during my senior season.”