Summit League
The conference has been controlled by South Dakota State, which has made seven of the past 12 NCAA Tournaments. The Jackrabbits also went dancing last year, but they have to replace their top four scorers and will look to improve their perimeter defense after ranking 286th in opponent 3-point shooting percentage at 35.5% — while 46.9% of opponents field goal attempts were 3-pointers, which was the second-highest percentage in America.
Since moving from the Division III level to Division I for the 2021-22 season, St. Thomas’ overall and conference records have improved in every season, and the team went 20-13 overall and 9-7 in conference play last season. Rebounding is the strength here. Opponents grabbed just 20.8% of their missed shots as an offensive rebound, allowing St. Thomas to rank 27th in defensive rebound rate.
All but two teams in the conference — Denver and South Dakota — ranked 194th or slower in total possessions per game last season, with every team ranking 153rd or worse in points allowed on a per possession basis.
After having the fewest points allowed per possession and finishing second in conference play last season, UMKC brings back the most points or minutes of any team in the Summit League.
Since rejoining the Division I ranks prior to the 2009-10 season, North Dakota’s 18-14 record was their second-best win percentage. The team returns Amar Kuljuhovic, who led the squad in rebounds with 8.7 points and 8.6 rebounds per game on 45.5% 3-point shooting last season.
Omaha allowed fewer than 75 points per game last season for the first time since joining Division I prior to the 2012-13 season, while Denver has to replace all three of last season’s top scorers. That includes guard Tommy Bruner, who was second in Division I in scoring (24.0 PPG) last season.
