2024 Preview
Superlatives:
Best Overall Team: Kansas City
Best Overall Player: Isaac McBride, ORU
Best Shooter: Jamar Brown, UMKC
Best Defenseman: Kendall Blue, STU
Sleeper Team (Conference): St. Thomas
Sleeper Team (March): North Dakota
NDSU guard Jacari White; NDSu Athletics
1. Kansas City Roos
2023 Record: 16-16
The Roos ended the 2023 regular season on a six game win streak which was backed by a stingy defense ranking at the top of the Summit League. UMKC returns all five starters (one of two teams nationally to do so) led by star guard Jamar Brown (15.0) and Cameron Faas (9.9). Coach Marvin Menzies has done an excellent job growing talent through recruiting, evident through emerging star Jayson Petty in the backcourt. The Roos’ struggles with turnovers and poor three-point shooting were covered up by excellent defensive play in 2023, but to make the jump to league contender, UMKC will need to shore up on the offensive end more consistently.
2. North Dakota Falcons
2023 Record: 18-14
The Falcons’ offense ranked 7th in the Summit League last season, with turnovers being the catalyst of its self destruction (17.7%). Big man Amar Kuljuhovic evolved into one of the country’s best rebounders last season, however, which led the Hawks to a conference-best offensive rebounding percentage of 31.2% — a foundational piece to build around in Grand Forks. Transfer guard and former NAIA All-American Reggie Thomas will be the floor general in the backcourt alongside Eli King (7.1).
3. North Dakota State Bison
2023 Record: 15-17
The backcourt of all-league guard Jacari White and elusive Damari Wheeler-Thomas is sure to improve from last season, and with the progression of stretch big Noah Feddersen, the Bison could have one of the more explosive offenses in the conference. NDSU was elite on the defensive glass last season, something which should carry over into 2024 with the additions of two 6-10 transfers via the portal.
4. South Dakota State Jackrabbits
2023 Record: 22-13
All-league guard Zeke Mayo departed for a lead role with the Kansas Jayhawks, leaving understudy Kalen Garry to take the reigns in Brookings. There aren’t a ton of pieces back for the Jackrabbits, last year’s conference champions, but SDSU is notorious for making something out of nothing behind head coach Eric Henderson. Transfer Isaac Lindsey brings talent to a squad returning under 20 points of production per game from 2023.
5. Saint Thomas Tommies
2023 Record: 20-13
The Tommies’ flop in last season’s conference tournament was puzzling considering it possessed the best offense per adjusted efficiency and second best defense in the Summit League. St. Thomas struggled on the glass, especially offensively, which to little second chance points. Bringing in six recruits over 6-5 will help with that. All-league caliber guard Kendall Blue will look to evolve on his 10.6 PPG from last season.
6. Denver Pioneers
2023 Record: 17-17
The Pioneers’ miracle run to last season’s conference championship ended with a loss to South Dakota State. Gone is the nation’s leading scorer Tommy Bruner and over 24 points per game, along with over 26 points from departed veterans. Denver will now be in search of wings capable of shooting but also possessing defensive prowess. Queue Nick Shogbonyo, a defensive mastermind at the junior college level. Guard DeAndre Craig will be looked upon to take the reigns from Bruner.
7. South Dakota Coyotes
2023 Record: 12-20
The philosophy seems apparent in Vermillion; shoot the three and play defense. Surehanded guard Kaleb Stewart returns following an over 15 point per game average last season. Newcomers Chase Forte and Dre Bullock could be immediate impact offensive threats on the wings. Inside depth is a question, as the Coyotes struggled on the defensive glass last season.
8. Oral Roberts Falcons
2023 Record: 12-19
The Falcons’ run in the Summit League ended with 12-19 2023 record and quarterfinals exit in the Summit League tournament. Three starters leave, taking with them a good chunk of ORU’s production over the last two seasons. Luckily, guard Isaac McBride opted to return after dipping his toe into the portal, giving Oral Roberts something to build around. There isn’t much else, however.
9. Omaha Mavericks
2023 Record: 15-18
Frankie Fiddler departs through the portal and the Mavericks are left picking up the pieces of a 15-18 campaign from last season. Most of the backcourt returns, and six transfers give the Mavericks solid height up and down the lineup. There is limited experience but plenty of opportunity for production throughout the roster, giving Omaha the most volatile outlook for 2024.