On Friday morning, April 4, 2025, Josh Dix, a standout guard from the Iowa Hawkeyes, made waves in the college basketball world by announcing his commitment to the Creighton Bluejays. This move marks a significant development for both Dix and Creighton, as he joins former teammate Owen Freeman in Omaha, just a short distance from his hometown of Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Dix's decision to transfer comes on the heels of a tumultuous season for the Hawkeyes, who finished with a disappointing 17-16 record. The departure of head coach Fran McCaffery, who was dismissed after 15 seasons, prompted Dix to enter the transfer portal. "Due to the recent coaching change and after reflecting with my family, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal," Dix stated in a farewell post on Instagram two weeks prior to his commitment.
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 210 pounds, Dix has one season of eligibility remaining and is considered one of the top players in the transfer portal. According to The Athletic, he was ranked No. 8 among transfer prospects. Over the past three seasons with the Hawkeyes, Dix averaged 14.4 points per game, showcasing his versatility as both a scorer and playmaker.
During his junior season, Dix appeared in 32 games, starting all but one, and he made a significant impact on the court. He averaged 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, while also posting a remarkable shooting percentage of 51.4% from the field and 42.2% from beyond the arc. His ability to score from all three levels made him one of the most efficient guards in college basketball.
Dix's offensive prowess was highlighted by his impressive performances throughout the season. He scored in double figures in 31 of his 32 appearances, including a career-high 31 points in an overtime victory against Nebraska on January 7, 2025. Additionally, he had six games where he scored 20 or more points, further solidifying his status as a key player for Iowa.
In addition to his scoring ability, Dix was also recognized for his defensive skills. He was Iowa's best perimeter defender, contributing to the team with 29 steals and a low turnover rate of just 6.3%. His defensive prowess combined with his offensive skills made him a valuable asset for the Hawkeyes.
The decision to join Creighton is not only a strategic move for Dix but also a personal one. Being from Council Bluffs, which is only 4.5 miles from Creighton’s campus, he is returning to his roots, a factor that holds significant importance for him and his family. Dix's mother has faced health challenges, and he has three younger siblings, making the proximity to home a comforting aspect of his decision.
At Creighton, Dix will be stepping into a program that is undergoing changes of its own. The Bluejays are losing key players, including point guard Steven Ashworth, who averaged 16.4 points and 6.8 assists per game, and combo guard Jamiya Neal, who contributed 12.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per contest. Dix is expected to complement the Bluejays' roster well, especially alongside former Charlotte point guard Nik Graves, who averaged 17.5 points this past season.
Freeman, who also transferred from Iowa, was ranked No. 15 on The Athletic’s transfer list and is expected to fill the void left by 7-foot-1 senior Ryan Kalkbrenner, who averaged 19.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. With Dix and Freeman joining forces, Creighton is looking to bolster its backcourt and enhance its competitiveness in the upcoming season.
For Iowa, losing Dix is a significant blow, particularly given his potential and performance during his time with the Hawkeyes. New head coach Ben McCollum had expressed a desire to retain Dix, as he was vocal about wanting to bring back key players who entered the transfer portal. "See if we can get Pryce, Cooper, Josh (back)," McCollum said at his introductory press conference. However, with Dix's commitment to Creighton, the Hawkeyes will need to regroup and focus on rebuilding their roster.
In addition to Dix and Freeman, several other Hawkeyes have entered the transfer portal, including Brock Harding, who has signed with TCU, and forwards Pryce Sandfort and Seydou Traore. McCollum has already begun to make moves to strengthen Iowa's roster, signing four former players he coached at Drake, including Bennett Stirtz, who was named the Missouri Valley Conference’s player of the year.
The 2025-26 season is shaping up to be an intriguing one for both Iowa and Creighton. As Dix embarks on this new chapter with the Bluejays, the basketball community will be watching closely to see how he adapts to his new environment and continues to develop as a player. With his talent and determination, there's little doubt that Dix will make a significant impact at Creighton, and fans are eager to see what the future holds for this rising star.
