BEMIDJI, Minn. – Bemidji State University Men's Basketball has been tabbed 12
th in this year's Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, taking fourth in the Northern Division. Senior guard
Tate Olson has earned this season's Player to Watch nod.
Last year, the Beavers went 10-19 and earned a first-round trip to the NSIC playoffs, falling to St. Cloud State University 68-60. After an exhibition at the University of Minnesota, the Beavers split their trip to Kansas City, Mo. with a loss to University of Central Missouri, 74-68, and win over University of Arkansas-Monticello, 64-55. In conference play, the Beavers went 7-15 with wins over Northern State University, University of Mary, Wayne State College, University of Sioux Falls and University of Minnesota Crookston.
"I believe this year's team possesses excellent depth and lineup flexibility," said Head Coach
Mike Boschee. "The players have a strong work ethic and form a close-knit group, which I'm confident will provide mutual support throughout the season. Their experience and positive attitudes make them a joy to coach and should be a significant asset when facing challenges."
The Beaver roster includes just seven returners this season in senior
Tate Olson, juniors
Austin Josephson,
Jobe Juenemann,
Isaac Severts and
John Pecarich, sophomore
Dominic Fairbanks and redshirt freshman
Isaiah Kastern. The Beavers bring in three student-athletes as true freshmen in guards
Logan Sipple and
Jordan VanWinkle, along with forward
Abu Keita. Five transfer students join the team with University of Jamestown redshirt freshmen
Luke Diem and
Isaak Eenhuis, former Pacific sophomore guard
Eddie Jallow Hedvqist, Southwest Minnesota State University guard
Nathan Fenske and graduate students
Payton Thomsen from Bethel and
Henry Shannon from William Woods.
Olson, a six-foot-seven guard from New York Mills, Minn. was an Academic All-NSIC selection last year. Last season he led the team in points scored with 11.8 per game, 341 total in 29 games played. This was accomplished with a .498 shooting percentage from the field, tabbing 131 makes on 263 attempts. He was second on the team for three-point shooting, marking a .373 shooting percentage with 44 made shots. Also the team's leading rebounder, Olson amassed 255 total rebounds with 35 offensive and 220 defensive. He added 80 assists, nine blocks, 19 steals and a 1.54 assist to turnover ratio.
"Tate is a versatile player who can play both inside and out," said Coach Boschee. "He brings a strong presence on both ends with his ability to rebound effectively and high basketball IQ. We are expecting great things from Tate this year not only with his skill level but from a leadership standpoint as well."
The Beavers start their season at the Central Region Challenge Nov. 14 and 15. They'll take on Henderson State University and Southern Arkansas University in Pittsburg, Kan. at 11 a.m. both games. The Beavers are slated to take part in the Florida Southern College Century Retail Thanksgiving Classic Nov. 28 and 29 in Lakeland, Fla. where they'll play Saint Leo University and Florida Southern. NSIC play starts up the following week with the Beavers hosting Minnesota State University Moorhead on Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m.
All NSIC games are available for viewing on the NSIC Network. Tickets for all home games will be available on Hometown Ticketing, via the link on the Beavers' website.
For more information on the Bemidji State Men's Basketball program, tickets or schedules, visit BSUBeavers.com, follow the Beavers on X (@BSUBeaversMBB), like them on Facebook (facebook.com/BSUBeavers) and like them on Instagram (@BSUBeaversMBB).
Located on the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University sponsors 15 varsity athletic programs with NCAA Division I men's and women's hockey membership in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association and Western Collegiate Hockey Association, while its 13 NCAA Division II programs hold membership in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).
