The South Dakota State men’s basketball team is starting a new chapter this season, but the expectations haven’t changed.
After going 20-12 last year and reaching the Summit League semifinals, the Jackrabbits head into the 2025–26 season with a new head coach, a mix of familiar faces, and the same goal: to stay connected, play selfless basketball, and keep getting better.
When Bryan Petersen was named SDSU’s new head coach in April, the move made sense. He had spent the past six years as an assistant under Eric Henderson, so he already knew the program well.
“Just being at the same school, I kind of know the school, the landscape, the area, the athletic department,” Petersen said. “It helps to make it a little bit easier of a transition.”
Before coming to SDSU, Petersen played at Kirkwood Community College and Iowa State, then coached at Kirkwood for six seasons.
Now in his first season leading the Jackrabbits, his focus is on connection, defining roles, and improving every day.
“We’re really emphasizing being connected and everyone buying into their role,” he said. “We want to be sharp and play together on both ends of the floor.”
Leadership From Within
The Jacks return several key players, including Kalen Garry, Matthew Mors, Joe Saylor, Jaden Jackson and Damon Wilkinson.
Garry, a junior guard from De Smet who averaged 11.7 points and 3.9 rebounds last season, said this offseason was all about leadership and setting an example for the younger guys.
“Coach Pete has asked us to step up, be vocal, lead by example and help the new guys,” Garry said.
Mors, a senior forward from Yankton who averaged 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds said the team’s connection has stayed solid through the coaching change.
“Coach Pete and the other coaching staff did a really good job of bringing us together and still setting a clear goal,” he said. “They let it be known that SDSU basketball is still going to be very important to us, our families and the Brookings community.”
He also mentioned that players like transfers Luke Haertle and Caleb Delzell have already added leadership and experience.
“We’ve got a good mix of both young and veteran guys, and everyone’s competing,” Mors said.
Transfers Bring Depth
One of those newcomers, Caleb Delzell, a graduate student, transferred from Kirkwood Community College, where he played for assistant coach Ryan Kirsch. He said joining SDSU has been an easy transition.
“It was really easy to get adjusted, everybody was super welcoming,” Delzell said. “I’m surrounded by a lot of good guys, coaches and staff and just a good culture overall.”
Delzell said he wants to bring toughness and leadership.
“However I can help, whether it be defense, rebounding, shooting, I’m willing to do it,” he said.
Last season, the Jackrabbits were one of the Summit League’s best offensive teams, averaging almost 80 points per game and shooting 47% from the field. But Petersen said this year is about balance.
“Last year, we played through Oscar Cluff a lot,” Petersen said. “This season, we don’t necessarily have that main focal point. We really have to execute as a team.”
Preseason Poll
In the Summit League preseason poll, SDSU was picked to finish third, just behind St. Thomas and Omaha, but still earned five first-place votes, which shows the respect they still have in the league.
Garry, who was selected to the Preseason All-Summit League First Team, said the team sees that as motivation.
“We’re taking the next step in all aspects of the game,” he said. “It’s just about growing every day and taking it one day at a time.
What Fans Can Expect
Petersen said fans can expect a connected, tough and unselfish team that represents what SDSU basketball is all about.
“We want to be a physical team that shares the ball and plays with toughness,” he said. Delzell agreed, saying fans will feel that energy right away.
“We’re going to be gritty on defense and play fast and unselfish on offense,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of good shooters and we trust each other.”
The Jackrabbits open their season Oct. 29 at First Bank & Trust Arena in an exhibition game versus Mayville State.
Mors said the fans should be excited for this season.
“I think they should be excited to watch a group of guys who love playing with one another,” he said. “We’re gonna get out and play a brand of basketball that’s going to be a lot of fun to watch.”
As the new season begins, one thing is clear: this team isn’t lowering the bar.
