USD men's basketball rebuilds with 12 new players

The University of South Dakota men’s basketball team opens its 2026-27 season this week in Vermillion, South Dakota. The Coyotes are entering the year with a roster that is largely new, featuring 12 incoming players, 10 of whom are transfers.

This shakeup follows a 2025-26 campaign in which the team finished 16-16 overall and 8-8 in league play. Injuries limited the squad severely at times, dropping the available lineup to seven healthy players. Despite those setbacks, USD secured a fourth-place finish in the Summit League.

Coach Eric Peterson said the return of key talent was a priority for the new season. He noted that the previous roster had championship potential but failed to reach that level due to health issues. The coaching staff aims to maintain the existing team culture while integrating the new arrivals.

Only 14% of the team's scoring returns from last year. Sophomore guard Vince Buzelis represents the largest share of that returning production. He averaged 7.1 points per game last season and scored in double figures in six of the final eight games. Junior guard Josiah Dotzler also returns after missing the entire previous season with an injury.

The transfer class includes players from several major programs. Cade Kelderman arrived from Iowa State, where he played under T.J. Otzelberger. Josh Townley-Thomas and Stef van Bussel joined from Creighton and Duquesne, respectively. Both stand 6-foot-10 and are expected to anchor the defense. Kajus Kublickas, who played for the 2024 Florida Gators national championship team, also joins the roster from Pacific.

Peterson stated that the team will adopt a hybrid style of play this year. The approach will feature more situational press defenses while maintaining a fast pace. The staff also plans to continue utilizing the bench heavily, a trait that has kept USD in the top 40 in bench minutes over the last two years.

The Coyotes have four home games scheduled in the first eight days of the season. They host Mount Marty on Monday, followed by Northern Kentucky on Nov. 4 and Cal State Fullerton on Nov. 7. Houston Christian will be the final early home opponent on Nov. 9.

The team travels to Drake on Nov. 13 and Nebraska on Nov. 18. A later road game against Iowa is set for Dec. 29. These nonconference contests will serve as early indicators of the team's development and health as it prepares for league play.