Grand Island junior Isaac Traudt has plenty of scholarship offers with 18 of his 24 coming from college basketball’s power conferences — Big Ten, Big East, Big 12, SEC, ACC and Pac-12.
The next step in the 6-foot-9 forward’s recruitment is collecting offers from the elite blue-blood programs.
Although they haven’t offered yet, Duke and Kansas have begun recruiting Traudt.
Traudt has had a couple of phone calls with Duke associate head coach Jon Scheyer, and he’s started to hear from Virginia, Kansas, Michigan State and Gonzaga.
With the NCAA’s suspension of in-person recruiting until at least Jan. 1, 2021, schools have needed to be more creative. Sunday night, Michigan State’s coaching staff was on a virtual visit with Traudt and his parents. The Spartans have the top-rated recruiting class in the 2022 cycle.
“They are interested and really want to build a relationship with everyone in my family,” he said. “That was the first Zoom I’ve had with them. I talked to Coach (Tom) Izzo and (recruiting coordinator Doug) Wojcik on the phone last Monday.”
Kansas State was the first power-conference school to offer Traudt on April 30. On June 15, the first day Division I coaches could contact 2022 prospects, Nebraska and Creighton offered. Missouri was next on July 2. In a six-day span in late July, he added six more power offers. This month he has added three more: Mississippi, Georgetown and Iowa.
Offers from childhood favorite Oklahoma and Oregon have stood out for Traudt.
“Oregon a little bit because they are one of the top teams in the Pac-12, and Coach (Dana) Altman is from Nebraska and a well-known name,” Traudt said. “It was unexpected. That is what made me so excited.”
Traudt’s versatility and potential make him intriguing to college recruiters.
“It all has felt like a dream, but at the same time I am really lucky to talk to all of these schools,” he said. “At the same time it hasn’t sunk in completely.”
His phone has been busy during the past month, as well.
“Creighton, Missouri, Virginia, Michigan State quite a bit recently. (Those are who) I’ve been in contact with the most,” Traudt said. “Kansas State, Stanford and Oregon are a few others.”
Traudt has also been on Creighton’s radar for months. CU assistant Paul Lusk saw him play in a district final against Omaha Creighton Prep in early March.
“I think it is a great school and would fit my playing style,” Traudt told The World-Herald in June after the Jays offered.
His next scheduled virtual visit is with Purdue on Wednesday. The Boilermakers offered Aug. 31.
Earlier this month, Traudt moved up 58 positions to No. 61 overall in the 2022 national recruiting rankings according to Rivals. In July he was ranked as the No. 88 overall prospect according to 247Sports. He is also now considered a four-star prospect by both national recruiting sites.
“It is really cool to be recognized as one of the top 100 players in the country,” he said. “I do think I am a lot better than those rankings, but at the end of the day it is just rankings.”
If Traudt retains his ranking, it would make three straight years Nebraska has produced a top-100 recruit, according to 247Sports. It would be the sixth time overall Nebraska has produced a top-100 player since the site began basketball rankings with the 2011 class.
Previous top-100 recruits from the state include: Millard North’s Hunter Sallis (currently No. 6 in 2021), Millard North’s Max Murrell (No. 87 in 2020), Omaha North’s Justin Patton (No. 71 in 2015), Omaha Central’s Akoy Agau (No. 94 in 2013) and South Sioux City’s Mike Gesell (No. 92 in 2012).
Mike Sautter's 2021 Nebraska prep boys basketball recruiting rankings
Check out World-Herald Prep Recruiting Specialist Mike Sautter's 2021 basketball prep recruiting rankings. The 2021 high school rankings were updated April 16, 2020. The rankings are decided with some input from players and coaches around the state along with feedback from college coaches.
1. Hunter Sallis, F, Millard North (2)
Height: 6-3.5
Weight: 157
Wingspan: 78.5
Standing Reach: 99.5
No-Step Vertical: 31.5
Handsize: 9.18
*Measurements taken July 31, 2019
Evaluation: Sallis is efficient. He can consistently score from all three levels and is a plus-rebounder due to his length. He is disruptive on defense, and if he isn't stealing the ball, he is deflecting it. He's a wing player who can guard multiple positions and is capable of handling point guard duties offensively.
Rankings history: 2, 2, 1
2. Chucky Hepburn, G, Bellevue West (1)
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 195
Wingspan: 73.5
Standing Reach: 95.5
No-Step Vertical: 30
Handsize: 8.25
*Measurements taken July 31, 2019
Evaluation: There isn't much that Hepburn doesn't do well. He has excellent court vision and a next-level basketball IQ. He can finish at the rim with contact and is a capable shooter from behind the 3-point line. Defensively, he has shown he is a game-changer with his natural instincts. He gives full effort consistently, is extremely coachable and a stat-sheet stuffer.
Rankings history: 1, 1, 2
3. Frankie Fidler, F, Bellevue West (10)
Height: 6-6
Weight: 181
Wingspan: 75.5
Standing Reach: 99
No-step Vertical: 27.5
Handsize: 8.5
*Measurements taken July 31, 2019
Evaluation: Fidler has ideal length and size for a stretch four. He also has the ball skills of a guard after playing the position until a growth spurt. Fidler is versatile and can score from all three levels. He can guard post and wing players well with his length and athleticism.
Rankings history: NR, 10, 3
4. Ajantae Hogan, G, Lincoln Southeast (3)
Height: 6-5
Weight: 198
Wingspan: 79
Standing Reach: 97.5
No-Step Vertical: 31.5
Handsize: 10.25
*Measurements taken July 31, 2019
Evaluation: Hogan is an explosive athlete capable of scoring from distance and around the rim. He has shown a strong mid-range jump shot and can score with contact around the rim. His long wingspan helps him jump passing lanes defensively.
Rankings history: 4, 3, 4
5. Saint Thomas, G/F, Millard North (NR)
Height: 6-5
Weight: 189
Wingspan: 76
Standing Reach: 100
No-Step Vertical: 27.5
Handsize: 8.5
Evaluation: Thomas was one of the breakout stars this season, stuffing the stat sheet for Millard North. He’s a playmaking wing with good court vision who crashes the glass hard on both ends. Thomas uses his size to finish around the basket and shoot over smaller defenders.
Rankings history: NR, NR, 5
6. Danair Dempsey, F, Papillion-LaVista South (NR)
Height: 6-7
Weight: 185
Evaluation: Dempsey was an instant impact player for the Titans after moving to the Omaha area from Wichita, Kansas. He’s a stretch four with plus length and good athleticism. He’s got a soft touch around the basket and can step out and shoot from the 3-point line. He handles the ball well enough to take opposing bigs off the dribble and has the vision to find open teammates.
Rankings history: NR, NR, 6
7. Kwat Abdelkarim, G/F, Lincoln North Star (12)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 162
Evaluation: Abdelkarim is a long off-guard with good scoring instincts. He’s a crafty finisher around the basket with the ball-handling skills to get there, and he’s also a 40% shooter from 3. He uses his length to make an impact on the glass and get in passing lanes.
Rankings history: 18, 12, 7
8. Denim Johnson, F, Omaha Benson (5)
Height: 6.5
Weight: 172
Wingspan: 74.5
Standing Reach: 94
No-Step Vertical: 34.5
Handsize: 8
Evaluation: Johnson is an explosive player with grit. What he may lack in size and length, he makes up for in athleticism and toughness. He is a plus-offensive rebounder and doesn't back down from a challenge.
Rankings history: 5, 5, 8
9. Lucas Vogt, G, BRLD (8)
Height: 5-11
Weight: 170
Evaluation: Vogt is a quiet leader with good athleticism, quickness and explosion. He is a plus-shooter from 3-point range and looks to attack the rim. His strength and natural instincts make him a plus-defender.
Rankings history: 6, 8, 9
10. Jadin Johnson, G, Millard North (6)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 165
Evaluation: Johnson has the ability to play off the ball, score from the wing and lead the team at point guard. He is a pass-first point guard who makes good decisions and is capable of scoring when needed. His length and basketball IQ help him on the defensive end to jump passing lanes and block shots. He is a plus-rebounder for his position.
Rankings history: NR, 6, 10
11. Jaren Marshall, G, Omaha Burke (7)
Height: 6-1
Weight: 162
Wingspan: 73
Standing Reach: 94
No-Step Vertical: 32.5
Handsize: 7.32
*Measurements taken July 31, 2019
Evaluation: Marshall is an athletic combo-guard who hasn't reached his full potential. He can make plays out of the pick-and-roll and has a reliable pull-up jumper. He can be a three-level scorer and a disrupter on defense, particularly on the ball.
Rankings history: 10, 7, 11
12. Greg Brown, F, Omaha Burke (4)
Height: 6-4
Weight: 196
Wingspan: 79
Standing Reach: 99.5
No-step Vertical: 25.5
Handsize: 8.5
*Measurements taken July 31, 2019
Evaluation: Brown has a good mix of size, skill and potential. He has a big frame and long arms which allow him to score inside against bigger players. Brown is a creative ball-handler who can make plays for himself and others off the dribble. He can knock down shots from the perimeter as well.
Rankings history: 13, 4, 12
13. Cam Binder, G, Auburn (9)
Height: 6-0
Weight: 186
Wingspan: 66.5
Standing Reach: 90
No-Step Vertical: 21.5
Handsize: 7.5
*Measurements taken July 31, 2019
Evaluation: Binder is a knockdown 3-point shooter. He can score in a variety of ways and has a natural basketball IQ. He can come off screens and score or be a primary ball-handler if needed.
Rankings history: 7, 9, 13
14. AJ Rollins, F, Creighton Prep (14)
Height: 6-6
Weight: 220
Evaluation: Rollins is a two-sport standout with a bright future in football or basketball. He has a strong frame, which he uses to carve out space in the paint and finish around the rim at a high level. He has the athleticism to hold his own defensively and make an impact on the glass.
Rankings history: 9, 14, 14
15. Marcus Shakeer, G/F, Omaha Benson (NR)
Height: 6-4
Weight: 185
Evaluation: One of the more talented players in the class. When Shakeer is fully engaged offensively, he is difficult to stop. He can attack the rim and is capable of knocking down shots from distance. Defensively he can match up with just about anyone on the court because of his length and size.
Rankings history: NR, NR, 15
16. Tyler Sandoval, F, Millard North (13)
Height: 6-8
Weight: 188
Wingspan: 79
Standing Reach: 104
No-step Vertical: 27.5
Handsize: 8.5
*Measurements taken July 31, 2019
Evaluation: Sandoval is a true post and is tough. He plays with effort on nearly every possession and can bang in the post. He has good shot-blocking instincts and can rebound out of his area. Offensively, he has a strong mid-post game and can finish through contact.
Rankings history: NR, 13, 16
17. Faisaun Germany, G, Omaha Central (11)
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 176
Wingspan: 71
Standing Reach: 93
No-step Vertical: 32.5
Handsize: 8
*Measurements taken July 31, 2019
Evaluation: Germany is a good athlete who plays hard. He’s a good rebounder for his size, particularly on the offensive end where he reads the ball off the rim and uses his explosiveness to beat others to the ball. He’s a physical guard who can finish well around the basket and draw fouls.
Rankings history: 15, 11, 17
18. Brady Timm, G, Yutan (15)
Height: 5-10
Weight: 155
Wingspan: 68.5
Standing Reach: 86.5
No-step Vertical: 27
Handsize: 8.75
*Measurements taken July 31, 2019
Evaluation: Timm is the quintessential point guard, a strong ball-handler who can run an offense and get his teammates involved. Timm’s size belies his physicality and toughness. He’s capable of taking over offensively when he needs to. He uses his body to make space and create angles for shots or to get to the free throw line. He’s a good shooter, capable of pulling up from mid-range as well as knocking down shots from the perimeter.
Rankings history: 14, 15, 17
19. Carter Glenn, G, Lincoln East (16)
Height: 5-10.5
Weight: 156
Wingspan: 69.5
Standing Reach: 91
No-step Vertical: 27.5
Handsize: 8
*Measurements taken July 31, 2019
Evaluation: Glenn is small but fierce. The lefty floor general sees the floor well and can run an offense at a high level. He’s a good athlete who can get to the rim and finish in creative ways, and he’s an above-average 3-point shooter.
Rankings history: 17, 16, 19
20. Pierce Bazil, G, Lincoln Northeast (NR)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 165
Evaluation: Bazil is skilled offensively, capable of scoring from all over the court. He’s a good, high-volume 3-point shooter, can hit tough shots off the dribble and he’s a crafty finisher around the basket. Bazil is capable of catching fire and putting up points in bunches.
Rankings history: NR, NR, 20
21. Sam Hoiberg, G, Lincoln Pius X (NR)
Height: 5-11
Weight: 170
Evaluation: The son of Nebraska men's basketball coach Fred Hoiberg is a stat-sheet stuffer at the point guard spot who plays bigger than his listed height. Hoiberg is athletic enough to throw it down at 5-foot-11 and isn’t afraid to mix it up on the boards. He’s a good finisher inside and can knock down the open shot from the perimeter as well.
Rankings history: NR, NR, 21
22. Kaleb Brink, F, Elkhorn Mount Michael (21)
Height: 6-5
Weight: 199
Wingspan: 80
Standing Reach: 98
No-step Vertical: 29
Handsize: 8.5
*Measurements taken July 31, 2019
Evaluation: Brink is one of those under-sized posts who plays bigger than his height. He’s physical inside, working hard to carve out space and seal his defender, and he’s got an arsenal of moves inside including up-and-unders and hook shots. He battles on the glass and has good defensive instincts.
Rankings History: 19, 21, 22
23. Charlie Fletcher, G, Omaha Skutt (22)
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 170
Wingspan: 73
Standing Reach: 95
No-step Vertical: 31
Handsize: 8
*Measurements taken July 31, 2019
Evaluation: Fletcher is a talented scoring wing with a knack for putting the ball in the hoop. He's at his best when he's attacking the basket. Fletcher has the athleticism to get to the rim and the touch to finish over the top when the defense cuts off his driving lane. He's also got the ability to knock down jumpers off the catch at the 3-point line.
Rankings History: NR, 22, 23
24. Brad Bennett, G, Elkhorn Mount Michael (17)
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 159
Wingspan: 73
Standing Reach: 94.5
No-Step Vertical: 27.5
Handsize: 8.75
*Measurements taken July 31, 2019
Evaluation: Bennett is a pure bucket-getter, plain and simple. He can score at all three levels but is primarily a volume 3-point shooter with deep range and the ability to catch fire at any moment. He can play on or off the ball and is a solid rebounder for a combo guard.
Rankings history: 11, 17, 24
25. Brendan Buckley, G, Creighton Prep (NR)
Height: 6-3
Weight: 175
Evaluation: Buckley impacts the game in a lot of ways. He’s a very good rebounder on both ends of the floor as a wing and can play a bit of point when he needs to as well. He’s a 40% 3-point shooter but can also take it to the rim, hanging in the air and using his length to finish over the top or draw fouls.
Rankings history: NR, NR, 25
Watch list (listed alphabetically): Koby Bales (Grand Island Central Catholic), Dylan Beutler (BRLD), Josh Brown (Lincoln North Star), Graham Cassoutt (Papillion-La Vista South), Joe Chouinard (Elkhorn Mt. Michael), Jack Cooper (Millard South), Trey Deveaux (Norris), Cam Foster (Hastings Adams Central), Lane Fox (Conestoga), Kaden Glynn (Beatrice), Charlie Hoiberg (Lincoln Pius X), Dominic Humm (Millard West), Joey Hylok (Papillion-La Vista), Dei Jengmer (Grand Island Central Catholic), Jack Johnson (Kearney), Trevor Kasischke (Wahoo), Ater Louis (Bellevue East), Evan Meyersick (Millard West), Dawson Mohr (Scottsbluff), Curtis Ogba Jr. (Omaha North), McGinness Schneider (Lincoln Southeast), Justin Sitti (Omaha Creighton Prep), Luke Skar (Omaha Skutt), Jai'Lyn Spears (Omaha Bryan), Jaxon Wietfeld (North Bend Central)
mike.sautter@owh.com, 402-444-1335, Twitter.com/MikeSautterOWH
Mike Sautter
Mike is a prep recruiting specialist for The World-Herald. Follow him on Twitter @MikeSautterOWH. Phone: 402-444-1335.
